flu, pneumonia, shingles shots?

Hopeful · Post by **Hopeful** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 5:39 pm

I am being pressured by various doctors to get these shots. I'm in my 60's. I understand that the shingles shot is a live vaccine and not advisable for those on immune suppressant drugs like budesonide. But what about the others?
What do you all think?

megamoxie · Post by **megamoxie** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:25 pm

I get a flu shot every year, on my doctor's advice. One thing to be careful of is sensitivity to eggs, because I believe the flu shot (like many others) is typically albumen-based. I don't know whether they offer alternatives because I've never had an issue with the regular shot. The shots can sometimes be in short supply. I am contemplating having the shingles vaccine, but I didn't realize that it was live, so I'll have to look into that further. Sorry, I don't know about the impact of immune suppressant drugs on this decision.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:33 pm

These are topics regularly discussed - if you do a search you will find all the previous discussions, with pro's and cons.

Like most things in MC world, there is no black and white, there is what works for you, what risk factors apply etc.

an individuals reaction to a vaccine / injection is variable depending on their inflammation levels, any deficiencies and the ingredients (inactive ones) of the injection.

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 7:34 am

I got my first ever flu shot this year, with fear and trembling. But since I work with toddlers two days a week, and my granddaughter is prone to respiratory problems, and we have a new grandchild due in December, I decided that I would risk it.

Fortunately, I had no adverse reaction. They did ask if I was allergic to eggs. They tried to find out for me if the flu shot contained gluten, but couldn't get that information.

I have no experience with the other shots.

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 8:45 am

I had my shingles shot while I was still taking budesinide and had no reaction. Same with flu and pneumonia shots.

Sheila W

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:12 pm

I have flu shots every year. Not so much pneumonia, because if I don't get flu I usually don't get respiratory illnesses.
I have had shingles, so I got a shot. I don't want ever to get it that badly again.

Martha, how is little Abigail? And congratulations on the expected new grandchild! How exciting!