Today, two magazines dropped on my doormat, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), and the Crohn's And Colitis organisation winter editions.

Both contain articles about the shingles vaccine for the over 70's and they appear to contradict each other regarding immuno-suppressing drugs that are commonly used in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, both of which are diseases of the immune system.

The Crohn's and Colitis magazine pp15 contains two responses from expert gastroenterologists saying that it is NOT safe for anyone on immuno-suppressing drugs to have the vaccine as there is a chance they get a chicken pox infection.

However, the NRAS expert says (pp9) "It is safe to have the vaccination if you are on prednisolone doses at doses of 10mg a day or less. It is also safe if you are taking any of the following: methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine. azathioprine or leflunomide.'

So which is right? I appreciate that the range of drugs for the two conditions are not identical and some may be used in one disease but not the other, but there is enough of an overlap to leave patients confused, especially those like me who have both conditions.

I have contacted both orgs with a suggestion that they get together and come up with a unified message.

hi Paul,

should add in the magazine it says not to have the injection if you are on Biologics.

so counts me out.

be interested when you get the responses,

Suzanne