WeAreLupus.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Lupus & Fibromyalgia

IMPORTANT: H1N1 (Swine) Flu Advisory for People with Lupus from the Lupus Foundation of America

October 8th, 2009 by Jayne L

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Advisory for People with Lupus

Revised September 30, 2009

This notice will be updated as additional details are received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and as determined by the Lupus Foundation of America’s Medical-Scientific Advisory Council. Please check this notice periodically until this health issue has passed.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is aware of the concern that people with lupus may have about the recent outbreak of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. Please know the LFA is monitoring the situation and consulting with our National Medical-Scientific Advisory Council on the possible impact of this virus on people with lupus.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine Update

Vaccinations are a very important part of staying healthy with lupus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (“swine flu”). One vaccine will be available as a mist, and the remaining three will be administered by injection. The first vaccine is expected to be available to the public during the first week of October 2009.

What do I need to know about the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines?

• The H1N1 vaccine administered as a mist (by breathing through the nose, similar to FluMist) is a “live-attenuated” vaccine. Neither product is safe for people who are immune compromised or taking medications that suppress the immune system.
  
  
• The three H1N1 vaccines administered by injection are created from inactivated influenza viruses. These are considered safe for people with lupus, and expected to be available mid-to-late October 2009.
  
  
• People with lupus should receive their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. While you should always consult with your doctor, you should not delay receiving the seasonal flu vaccine in anticipation of the H1N1 vaccine. The seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines appear to provide protection within two weeks of receiving the immunization and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be administered on the same day.
  
  
• According to the FDA, the seasonal influenza vaccines and the 2009 H1N1 vaccines are being produced in two injectable formulations. You should consult with your doctor which formulation is recommended for you. The two formulations include:
  • a multi-dose vial with thimerosal (a mercury derivative added as a preservative)
  • a preservative-free, single-dose, pre-filled syringe without thimerosal

While the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines appear to provide adequate coverage for immunocompromised people, simple precautions such as avoidance of those individuals who are ill, good hygiene, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet are also recommended. You can learn more about protecting yourself during the flu season on the LFA web site: “Get the Facts about Flu.”

As with any vaccine, you should discuss with your doctor if you should receive the H1N1 vaccine, and which formulation is best for you. To receive the latest information and guidelines on the H1N1Flu, go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

At this time, the precautionary recommendations for people with lupus are no different than for the general public. However, it is important to note that people with lupus are typically at increased risk for infections, particularly if they are taking medicines that suppress the immune system. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about following the general precautions.

* Please remember that you should never discontinue medications used to treat your lupus without first consulting with your doctor.