Efficacy of vaccinations

rekabk · Newbie Alert Joined: 10 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Hi,
My question is if a lupus sufferer has been vaccinated and tests show an immune response resulted (antibodies produced) is that person protected as well as someone without lupus?
What effect would immunosuppressing therapy have on the sufferer? Would it increase the risk of catching the disease vaccinated against while undergoing the immunosuppressing therapy?
Sorry for asking the hard and unusual questions but thanks for any helpful replies!

MARYCAIN · King of the Jungle Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 1576

You are right that vaccinations may not be as effective in someone on immunosuppresants, since their immune system may not make enough antibodies to adequately protect them from the disease vaccinated against it.

People on immunosuppresants should generally not receive any "live" vaccines (including TB, measles and polio) because there is a risk of becoming infected with the disease. Live vaccines are made with live organisms as opposed to inactivated ones. An immunosuppressed patient should also not be around someone who has just been vaccinated with a live vaccine because you can contract the disease secondhand. This can be a big issue if you have children or a child-oriented job, but it's a good idea to discuss any vaccinations with your rheumatologist as well as your gp.