Vaccinations & General Advice for Autoimmune Patients
Vaccinations are an important part of autoimmune care.
If you have an autoimmune condition, or you are taking medicines that affect your immune system, certain infections can become more serious. Vaccination helps reduce that risk and is an important part of long term health planning.
Why vaccinations matter for autoimmune patients
Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system becomes overactive or misdirected. Some of my patients also need medications that calm the immune system, such as steroids, methotrexate, biologics, JAK inhibitors or other immunosuppressive treatments.
Because of this, some infections may be more serious or harder to recover from. Vaccination helps the body prepare protection before infection happens.
- Lower the risk of serious infections
- Reduce complications from flu, pneumonia and shingles
- Protect patients who are taking immune suppressing medications
- Reduce hospitalisation risk
- Support safer long term treatment planning
- Protect patients before starting certain medications
Vaccines I commonly discuss with autoimmune patients
These are three vaccines that come up most often in my clinic. Whether each one is right for you depends on your diagnosis, your medications and your vaccine history.
Influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine is usually recommended once a year. Flu can be more serious in patients with autoimmune disease, especially those taking medicines that affect the immune system.
Usually every year
This is not the same as a common cold. Influenza can cause high fever, body aches, chest infection and serious complications in higher risk patients.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumococcal infection can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis. Patients with autoimmune conditions or weakened immune systems may be advised to receive pneumococcal vaccination.
Schedule depends on age, vaccine history, immune status and doctor's advice.
I may discuss pneumococcal vaccination options such as Prevenar with suitable patients. Some patients may need review or repeat vaccination after a number of years, depending on their previous vaccine history and risk profile.
Shingrix vaccine
Shingles, also known as kayap, is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain. The risk can be higher in older adults and in some people with weakened immune systems.
Usually given as 2 doses.
Shingrix is a non live recombinant vaccine and offers long lasting protection. I can advise whether it is suitable and when it should be given, especially if you are on immune suppressing medication.
The best time to plan vaccines is before treatment changes
For some of my patients, vaccines work better when given before starting certain immune suppressing medications. If you are already on treatment, vaccination may still be possible, but the timing may need to be planned carefully.
- 1Review diagnosis and current medication
- 2Check previous vaccine history
- 3Identify recommended vaccines
- 4Plan timing around treatment
- 5Keep a record for future care
Some vaccines may not be suitable during immune suppressing treatment
Not all vaccines are the same. Some are non live vaccines, while some are live vaccines. Live vaccines may not be suitable for patients who are significantly immunosuppressed.
Please do not take any vaccine without first telling your doctor about your autoimmune condition and current medications.
Before any vaccination, tell your doctor if you:
- Are taking steroids
- Are taking methotrexate
- Are taking biologic injections or infusions
- Are taking JAK inhibitors
- Recently had rituximab or similar treatments
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Had a previous serious vaccine reaction
- Are currently unwell or feverish
Who should discuss vaccination with a rheumatologist?
Please ask me about vaccination if you have an autoimmune condition, especially if you are starting or already taking immune suppressing medication. Common examples include:
General health advice for autoimmune patients
A few simple habits can help you stay well between visits. I share these often in clinic, and I am always happy to talk through them with you in more detail.
Keep an updated vaccine record
Ask before starting new supplements or medications
Do not stop rheumatology medication without medical advice
Inform your doctor before travelling
Seek medical advice early if you develop fever or infection symptoms
Keep regular follow ups
Tell your doctor if you are planning pregnancy
Ask whether family members should also be up to date with routine vaccines
Personalised vaccination advice for your condition and treatment
I can review your autoimmune diagnosis, current medications, previous vaccination history and infection risk before advising on a suitable vaccination plan. The goal is to help you stay protected while continuing appropriate rheumatology care.
Vaccination advice may be especially important before starting biologics, JAK inhibitors, rituximab, long term steroids or other immune suppressing medicines.
- Review of diagnosis, medications and vaccine history
- Discussion of suitable vaccines and timing
- Planning around biologics, JAK inhibitors and steroids
- Clear notes you can keep for future care
Questions my patients often ask about vaccines
Not sure which vaccines you need?
If you have an autoimmune condition or are taking immune suppressing medication, vaccination planning should be personalised. A specialist review can help you understand what protection may be suitable for you.
Other conditions I treat
More patient guides are on the way. These pages will be linked here as they become available.