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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Cleveland, OH

My rheumatologist wants me to get the pneumonia vaccine and flu vaccine as well as another one. Just wondering has anyone had any problems taken vaccines and being on methotrexate?

December 13, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences when asked about getting vaccines while on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with some reporting no... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences when asked about getting vaccines while on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with some reporting no issues at all from flu, pneumonia, COVID, RSV, and shingles vaccines, while others felt their RA symptoms worsened or became more aggressive after vaccination, particularly following COVID shots. Several members offered practical advice, including one whose rheumatologist recommended stopping methotrexate the week before, during, and after COVID vaccination, and another who mentioned avoiding live virus vaccines like shingles due to immune suppression. A recurring theme was that vaccination is a deeply personal decision shaped by individual health history, risk tolerance, and experiences, with members emphasizing the importance of consulting with rheumatologists, weighing the risks of infection against potential flare-ups, and trusting one's own instincts about what feels right for their body.

A myRAteam Member

I learned from my Rheumatologist that you have to be off Methotrexate week before , week of , week after for covid vaccine as for the other shots I don't know

December 13, 2023
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

No Problems just found my body to be more sore

December 20, 2023
A myRAteam Member

Hello I did get my pneumonia vaccine, never did get a flu shot my entire life. As for Covid vaccine I had the two shots no boosters........ I feel that the covid vaccine stirred up my RA.
I hope that things work out for you either way.

December 16, 2023
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

No problems. I actually have been getting high dosage flu shots because of the immune suppressants. I’m five days out from one and haven’t noticed any increase or change in symptoms.

As for Covid vaccine: I wasn’t diagnosed when I had my Covid vaccinations, and therefore wasn’t on methotrexate. However, I worked in hospitals in various parts of the US as a traveling ultrasound tech and never contracted it.

I’ve been on methotrexate about two years now and it has been much easier for me to get sick with my immune system suppressed. Vaccinations may induce some symptoms of immune response, while your body learns to recognize the dead virus, but I choose to take the risk of that potential discomfort to prevent getting a more intense and debilitating versions

Also, I’m out of PTO, and I can time the vaccine. 😂

Re Covid booster: I’m going to get my booster in the new year and plan to ask my rheumatologist whether I need to titer off beforehand. I’ll report what happens.

December 15, 2023 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

I have had all the vaccines over the years, just had last covid injection, never had any problems

December 14, 2023
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >

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