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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/21/2010 Posts: 32 Location: west midlands
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Hi, Had my flu jab a few weeks ago, just had a sore arm for a few days. Would recommed it if you are anti TNF's ... and even if you are not. RA is enough to cope with. Take care Gill x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,035
Location: in a house
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had mine no promlems never any promlems The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/26/2010 Posts: 128 Location: Birmingham
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Cheers folks. I'll go for it. I get flu horrific anyway, bad enough to have nearly had to go to hospital on two occasions so I've had the flu jab (paid for it every year) and generally it's protected me. I'm terrified of getting flu, seriously and even more so now but I don't take any decisions lightly any more so wanted to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. I value your comments so the minute I get back from a wedding in Ireland I'll be having the jab. 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/10/2010 Posts: 43 Location: Little Dewchurch, Hereford
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Hi! I've had flu jabs since I started MTX - & had 2 swine flu jabs last yr as that was what our practice was told people on antiTNF/biologics should have & no problems with any apart from one sore arm one time.
Had first lot of Rituximab in Sept & asked Rheumy team about timing of flu jab as mentioned in NRAS mag (in Summer I think)
They said that I should wait until 2 months after 2nd Rituximab infusion to have flu jab (which makes in end Nov - my practice have put one aside) - apparently if you have it earleir you don't get a good enough response.
Also, if I'd needed another pneumococcal jab (they say we need one every 5 years) I should wait until 4 months after Rituximab
Hope that's helpful to some of you. Sally xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 103
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Hi, Today I recieved a letter from my surgery asking me to make an appointment to have the flu jab.Is it normal practise to stop meds such as MTX and Hydroxy before and after the jab? Also can you still have blood tests done as usual as mine is due in a weeks time and may coincide with the flu jab? Brenda. 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Brenda,
i'm having the Flu Jab all being well next Thursday which is the same day i take my Methorexate and have my blood test.
my GP Nurse said this was fine.
Suzanne
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
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i've had my flu jag ages ago with no trouble apart from a bit tender where jag went in,i didnt stop my mtx or hydroxy and done bloods as normall with no aftermath,i had full flu once and dont want it again,all the best.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/6/2010
Posts: 31
Location: Cumbria
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As another post said - if you are on immunity suppressing drugs - which most of us are, then catching the flu could make one very ill indeed. Some GP surgeries are not 'offering' it in an attempt to save money; my GP is not routinely re-calling those who qualify as a cost and time saver. It is up to those who need it to contact the GP and arrange it. It is well worth having in view of what those with RA are having to put up with day to day. I had it every year through my job as a nurse and (now retired) it is only since I was diagnosed with RA that I qualify for it. Side affects are minimal, a little soreness in the arm. I had mine this week.
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Rank: Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/16/2009 Posts: 21
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Thank you all for putting my mind at rest, as I was very apprehensive about the flu jab. I've never been offered, advised etc to have it - it's only through this type of chat that you realise you can have it and how beneficial it will be. I will be ringing my GP on Monday to book an appointment. Thanks everyone, have a happy halloween weekend! :)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2010
Posts: 271
Location: hampshire
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Hi all, having read through the posts, Ive decided to go for it and have the jab done! Ive been reluctant only because I think of all the drugs that we have to take every day, its just one more! Probably a silly attitude to have. Ive had the flu 3 times in 13 years and its awful, this was pre ra so I can imagine that with RA as well it would be pretty horrific!
Good luck everyone!
Heather xxxx
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