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.