Covid/Flu vaccines while on immunosuppressant
I am on Orencia biologic for my RA. I just wanted to check with our community about the following since I don't get straight-forward advice from my doctor:
1) Is it advised that we take the Flu vaccine separately from Covid or can the two be taken together? Since I have to take Tylenol for the body aches due to the vaccine (either of the two), I am attempting to do the 2 simultaneously. Not sure if it will be too much. Has anyone done so?
2) Should we hold off on the weekly Orencia treatment when taking the Covid and Flu vaccines?
Would appreciate any thoughts. Thank you!
Best to all😀.
Hi,
It seems odd your physician won't give you a straight answer. That doesn't seem very helpful. I'm sorry you're dealing with that.
I'm not on a biologic, though, so my experience won't really help. I take Sulfasalazine and Leflunomide. My Rheumatologist told me it was fine to get the vaccines (I have to for work). I got both the Covid and flu shot at the same time, and had no problems at all.
Hopefully someone has more relevant experience to share.
Good luck.
Hi
. I can tell you that my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), who was diagnosed at age two, 45 years ago and has been on a biologic for many years (currently Kevzara) was advised by her rheumatologist that having both vaccines at the same time was not an issue. She has done the two together the last two years with no problems. That said, there are differences between medications, the type of immune system suppression, and the potential impact on the vaccines. For example, Rituxan and methotrexate are more blanket immunosuppressants (as opposed to biologics which target specific inflammatory markers like TNF or interleuken-6 or 1). Patients on some drugs are known to have more problems developing the antibodies from vaccines. This research article notes that in relation to general guidance on vaccines for those with rheumatic diseases "Exceptions to this rule are abatacept and rituximab therapies. The immune response was found to be low even 2 weeks after discontinuation of abatacept. It is recommended to wait for vaccination at least 6 months after rituximab infusion. However, if a vaccine, such as influenza, needs to be administered within a certain time interval, vaccination should be done, although lower vaccine effectiveness is expected:" https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5042271. You mentioned being on Orencia, which is abatacept. Given what is said in this article you may want to ask your rheumatologist for more direct guidance for your particular case. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member)
