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Is It Still Possible Or Desirable To Get Vaccinated While Under Treatment With Mycophenalate Mofetil?

Posted on 8 hours ago

Question: Hi,

My spouse is on treatment with Mycophenalate Mofetil (MMF) 2000mg per day and Prednisone 25mg daily.

Both medications suppress the immune system. Is it still possible or desirable to get vaccinated while under treatment? If the treatment were to continue for one year would it still be advisable? In particular can the Shingles vaccine be taken?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
yes, but...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

vaccinations are possible and recommended but she shouldn't use the live-attenuated virus vaccines. For shingles there are two vaccines and only one of them (Shingrix - RZV) is safe to use with immunosuppression. Therefore the ZVL (live attenuated) vaccine should be avoided.

Kind Regards,
Dr.Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 days later)

Dear Dr. Zografakis,

Thank you for the information and advice.

I am wondering is it possible to extend the advice to all vaccines in that the live versions should not be used but other versions are ok?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, immunocompromised patients should not receive live attenuated pathogens! Make sure she asks a doctor first!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T