Aug 08, 2009
Flu Shot Policy 2009-10
Flu Vaccines 2009-2010
People with MS should consult with their physician about obtaining a regular flu shot and an H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination as soon as they are available. This web site will be updated when new information is forthcoming.
The FluMist nasal spray vaccine and any 'live', attenuated version of the H1N1 (if one is produced) are 'not' recommended for people with MS.
BACKGROUND
Regular flu shot:
As in previous years, the National MS Society recommends a regular flu shot as a safe and effective vaccination for people with MS. The flu shot—which is a de-activated or "killed" vaccine—can safely be taken by individuals who are on any of the disease-modifying medications (Avonex®, Betaseron®, Copaxone®, Rebif®, or Tysabri®).
FluMist Intranasal®:
In 2003, the FDA approved a flu vaccine nasal spray "for healthy children and adolescents, ages 5-17, and healthy adults, ages 18-49." According to Dr. Aaron Miller, the Society's Chief Medical Officer, FluMist—which is a live, weakened vaccine—is not recommended for use by people with MS, and should specifically be avoided by any person with MS who is on an immunosuppressive medication such as mitoxantrone (Novantrone®), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), azathioprine (Imuran®), or methotrexate. We currently have no safety data for FluMist in MS. We do know, however, that live-virus vaccines are more likely than de-activated-virus vaccines to cause an increase in disease activity in people with MS, particularly those whose systems are immunosuppressed. Furthermore, the interactions between live vaccines and the disease-modifying medications are not known.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine:
The H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine is still in production, so its safety and efficacy have not yet been established. It is anticipated that the vaccine will be available in the fall of 2009, probably in October. When it becomes available, the recommendations for its use in people with MS will likely be the same as the recommendations for the regular flu vaccine. If a live, attenuated version of the H1N1 vaccine is also produced, it should be avoided by individuals with MS.
You can read information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about the regular flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.