Flu & Pneumonia Shots
Sometimes a vaccine can trigger autoimmune flares, but this is usually self-limited, involving several days of fevers and muscle aches. Frequently people with lupus tolerate vaccines without any side effects.
The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is a highly effective inactivated (killed) virus vaccine that is given yearly to those at risk for complications of influenza infection. Several studies conducted in people with lupus who received the influenza vaccine found a protective antibody response, although the antibody levels tended to be lower than in the healthy control group. Side effects were not more frequent and disease flares were not more common. When present, the flares were usually mild.
One person did develop diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (a class of kidney disease) following immunization received during a lupus flare; therefore, some researchers do not recommend vaccination during flares. Overall, though, influenza vaccine is considered to be safe and effective in people with lupus, and it is recommended that lupus patients receive a flu shot every year.
However the inhaled flu prevention treatment (flu-mist) is not recommended for people with lupus or for their family or close contacts because it contains attenuated (but live) virus and would not be safe for people with any immune-compromising disorder or those taking any immune suppressing treatments.
The pneumonia shot (pneumococcal vaccine) is also recommended for people with lupus and a second dose should be given five years after the first dose. This vaccine can help to prevent most but not all kinds of community acquired pneumonia.
Lupus patients should always talk with their doctors before receiving any vaccine, especially if you are pregnant or have had certain types of allergic reactions in the past.
More information
Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions - World Health Organization (WHO)
Key Facts About Bird Flu - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
FluMist® Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine - American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
Immunizations for the Immune Impaired - Mayo Clinic
