Should I get a Flu vaccine when I have a head cold?

[Beth]

I'm scheduled to get my flu shot tomorrow. I'm home sick with a headcold today. Should I go ahead and get my flu shot tomorrow, or would it be better to postpone it until I'm well? I went to the CDC site, but didn't find any advice regarding that situation.

 

[Myriad]

I would postpone it for two reasons: one, a slightly increased chance of Guiliain-Barre Syndrome (an immune over-reaction that, since its exact causes are poorly understood, is suspected of sometimes being triggered by getting the immunization while your immune system is already in an activated state fighting the cold -- though this has not been proven); and two, if you give your cold to the person giving the immunizations (or the receptionist or anyone else you interact with on the way), they could spread it to many more people!

The second reason is way more significant in my opinion.

But, if the flu shot scheduled for tomorrow is a one-time chance (such as a vaccination day at your work place) that cannot be rescheduled, the risks involved with not getting the shot at all are higher still, so I would get it anyway (and take precautions not to spread my cold).

Respectfully,
Myriad

 

[Beth]

I would postpone it for two reasons: one, a slightly increased chance of Guiliain-Barre Syndrome (an immune over-reaction that, since its exact causes are poorly understood, is suspected of sometimes being triggered by getting the immunization while your immune system is already in an activated state fighting the cold -- though this has not been proven); and two, if you give your cold to the person giving the immunizations (or the receptionist or anyone else you interact with on the way), they could spread it to many more people!

The second reason is way more significant in my opinion.

But, if the flu shot scheduled for tomorrow is a one-time chance (such as a vaccination day at your work place) that cannot be rescheduled,

It is. It's also free if I get it there tomorrow.

the risks involved with not getting the shot at all are higher still, so I would get it anyway (and take precautions not to spread my cold).

Respectfully,
Myriad

[/quote] I can get flu shots at all sorts of places, including at the grocery store, but if I don't go tomorrow, I don't know whether or not I'll get one some other time.

 

[Emet]

From the CDC:

If you are sick with a fever when you go to get your flu shot, you should talk to your doctor or nurse about getting your shot at a later date. However, you can get a flu shot at the same time you have a respiratory illness without fever or if you have another mild illness.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm

 

[Beth]

From the CDC:



http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm

Thanks

 

[paperskater]

Most of the immunizers that I've worked with have told me that they are taught in immunization classes that if the patient feels well enough to walk into the clinic to get a flu shot, they're well enough to actually get one. *shrug*