Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly supported getting the flu shot, with most sharing that their rheumatologists strongly recommend or even require it... Read more

Members overwhelmingly supported getting the flu shot, with most sharing that their rheumatologists strongly recommend or even require it annually, especially for those on immunosuppressants like Humira or methotrexate, emphasizing the importance of avoiding live virus versions like the nasal spray. Several members described also receiving pneumonia and shingles vaccines on their doctors' advice, with some noting mild flu-like symptoms after vaccination that were far preferable to getting full-blown flu, while a few shared they only got the flu once despite getting shots for ten years. A recurring theme was the consensus that while the shot doesn't guarantee complete protection, it significantly reduces severity and risk for people with compromised immune systems, though members stressed the importance of consulting your own rheumatologist before any vaccination decision.