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azathioprine (imuran0 and flu shots

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Posted 11/13/2007 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
Is it ok to have a flu shot whilst on this?

My pharmacist says no which I think is contrary to what a lot of GP's think.

Anyone had conflicting opinions on this matter?

Posted 11/13/2007 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I have gotten one the last two years while on Imuran. My GI said it was a-ok.
Posted 11/13/2007 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
You definately SHOULD get the flu shot while on an immune suppresor. The flu shot does not contain a live virus so there is not much chance of getting the flu. I have had a flu shot for the past 5 years, one of those years while on 6mp and I had no trouble at all.
Posted 11/13/2007 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I can understand the pharmacist's logic, but you should be fine.
Posted 11/13/2007 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I had one last year and was fine.

Take care.

Dave
Posted 11/13/2007 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the help.  As it turns out my GP wouldn't give me the shot.

Strangely enough, a different pharmacist said it would be ok!

The doc said something about two of the 'strains' have been and gone and the third one in this year's batch is questionable.

I guess the Canadian government have already bought the stuff so they are gonna use it.   It has to be of help in curtailing an epidemic I suppose...

My wife had hers regardless.

Posted 11/13/2007 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I know the flu vaccines here in the States are all made from killed virus, so can't give you the flu no matter how immunosuppressed you are. The only reasoning I can think of is that if your immune system is too suppressed you might not get immunity from the vaccine, but it shouldn't hurt you.
Posted 11/14/2007 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
You just can't get LIVE vaccines, but the flu shot should be ok. Didn't the do away with the live nose thing? Anyway, my GI strongly suggested it. I wasn't making it out of the office without a serious guilt trip. I am seriously against them, but I guess I'm seriously against a lot of things I have to do now.
Posted 11/14/2007 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
My GI told me to definately to get a flu shot, for my whole family to get them.  Since the virus is not live it would be okay.  But I thought I heard that the ones they give via nasel spray is a live virus and not to get that one.
Posted 11/14/2007 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Both my kid's doctor's recommended they get the shot since they are both on Imuran/6mp.

My daughter did have a bad reaction, but not sure why. This is her 3rd year to get the vaccine. She ended up with a headache, fainted, pale, shakes, etc. but by 24 hours later she was fine. Not sure what we'll do next year - watch her real close.
Posted 11/14/2007 2:56 PM (GMT 0)

This will be my 5th year getting the flu shot and I have not gotten the flu since I started getting them.  Previously I would get the flu every year.  My only side effect has ever been a sore arm for a day or two from where the shot went in.  I still get a cold every year, sniffles, sore throat, cough, for about a week or two but not the full blown flu where I would be delirious w/fever for a couple of days and feeling like a dumptruck is rolling back and forth over me.

Due to get my shot Nov 29th.

Posted 11/14/2007 3:02 PM (GMT 0)

My doc was insistent on getting a flu shot both for me and my wife.  He is strongly urging anone who is in the home or dear friends/caregivers get the shot.  Therefor my minister friend and next door neighbor make sure they get theirs.

Good Luck

bob

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