Vaccinations are an essential part of preventive health care—especially for people living with Sjögren’s. Because the immune system may already be compromised, and certain medications can further suppress immunity, staying up to date on vaccines is key to preventing serious infections.
Types of Vaccines:
Vaccines fall into three categories:
- Routine vaccines recommended for everyone (such as tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years).
- Vaccines especially important for autoimmune disease patients, such as flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- Vaccines to avoid, mainly “live virus” vaccines, which can pose risks to people on immunosuppressive medications (e.g., prednisone, methotrexate, rituximab, azathioprine).
Common Recommendations:
- Flu vaccine: The flu vaccine which is updated every fall should be received annually; even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely, it reduces illness severity.
- Pneumonia vaccines: Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended to protect against bacterial pneumonia. Check with your family doctor about the best option for you.
- Shingles vaccine: The newer Shingrix vaccine (a killed virus) is safe for immunosuppressed individuals.
- HPV vaccine: May be appropriate for younger women—discuss with your physician.
- COVID-19 vaccine: Strongly recommended to receive the annual booster; no adverse reactions specific to Sjögren’s have been reported.
Timing Considerations:
For those on immunosuppressive treatments such as Rituxan or Cytoxan, vaccines should be timed carefully—ideally several weeks before treatment to ensure the best immune response. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) does not suppress the immune system and does not affect vaccine safety.
In Summary:
Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting people with Sjögren’s from preventable infections. Always consult your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you and the best timing—especially if you’re taking immune-modifying medications.
*summary courtesy of The Sjögren's Book, Fifth Editionn, Daniel J. Wallace, MD
