This website uses cookies

Some cookies are essential to the running of the website, while others (analytics) help us to make improvements. We also incorporate functionality from other websites, such as video, social media feeds and ReachDeck (text-to-speech and translations services) which may set cookies. More on how we use cookies

Set cookie preferences

Alert Coronavirus / COVID-19

If you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, do not come to our hospitals. Follow the national advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please find information on our services and visiting restrictions in our COVID-19 section.

Patients and visitors must wear a face covering in our hospitals.

This site is best viewed with a modern browser. You appear to be using an old version of Internet Explorer.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations (also called immunisations) are given to protect children and adults from serious contagious diseases. Diseases such asdiphtheria,tetanus,measles,whooping coughandpolioare now rare because of this.

In line with national guidelines, we recommend that all children on DMARDs (see list below) receive all routine vaccinations. Those on biologic medications should not receive live vaccines unless specifically advised by the paediatric rheumatology team. If your child is taking prednisolone please contact us for vaccination advice.

There is now new evidence that vaccinations are safe and don’t affect JIA or other inflammatory conditions however, vaccinations given whilst on treatment may be less effective. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vaccinations.

Rheumatology medications

DMARDs

Biologics

Methotrexate

Etanercept

Leflunomide

Adalimumab

Mycophenolate

Infliximab

Azathioprine

Tocilizumab

Sulfasalazine

Abatacept

Cyclosporine

Rituximab

Baricitinib

Tofacitinib

Which vaccines are live?

Vaccines thatare not live

Vaccines thatare live

  • cholera
  • diphtheria
  • haemophilus influenza HIB
  • hepatitis A
  • hepatitis B
  • influenza (by inactivated injection only)
  • meningitis C
  • meningitis ACWY
  • pneumovax
  • rabies
  • tetanus
  • typhoid (by inactivated injection only)
  • Polio (by inactivated injection only - SALK)
  • human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • heaf (6 needles)/mantoux (PPX)
    (can be difficult to interpret if immuno-compromised)
  • varilrix or varivax (chickenpox)
  • TB (BCG)
  • individual measles
  • individual mumps
  • individual rubella
  • MMR
  • oral polio
  • oral typhoid
  • yellow fever
  • Rotavirus
  • Shingles
  • nasal flu spray

If your child needs travel vaccinations, please contact us for advice.

Should my child have the flu vaccine?

Children with a long-term condition, or who are receiving medications that cause immunosuppression are recommended to have the annual flu vaccine. For patients on biologics, the injectable flu vaccine should be given as this is not live. All other patients should receive the nasal spray. These should be arranged at your GP surgery.