My GP has suggested that I should have

the flu vaccination. I am worried about

taking this when I am on medication for

my RA. What would you advise?

Taken from NRAS magazine, Winter 2010

Following the concern about Swine Flu last year we discussed this topic with our medical advisors who overwhelmingly felt that for patients with RA it was important to have the flu jab as the benefits of the jab far outweighed the possible risks. Winter is almost upon us again and the advice we have received about this year’s vaccination is that people who are in a high risk group, ie those with ‘a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment’) should be strongly encouraged to have the vaccine.

It has already been determined that the H1N1 flu virus will be one of the main strains of seasonal flu this winter (2010-11) and so the World Health Organization has announced that the H1N1 flu virus will be included in the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine and provide protection against this strain of flu.

Concerns about the safety of last year’s pandemic flu vaccine have been addressed and a general immunity boosting agent called an adjuvant has been added so that less of the antigen, which creates immunity, is required.  

Professor Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health said that there was no evidence that the vaccine is not safe and called those in high risk groups who refused to be vaccinated “foolhardy”.  He said, not having the vaccination is “putting yourself at unnecessary risk”.
More information about the seasonal flu vaccination can be found on NHS Choices.