Yes.
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are taking immunosuppressive drugs fall into a high-risk group for complications from the H1N1 (swine) flu. Some immunosuppressive drugs include:
- Imuran (azathioprine)
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Mercaptopurine (Purinethol, 6-MP)
- Prednisone
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 virus. A different vaccine shot is needed to protect against H1N1. This vaccine is made in the same manner as the seasonal flu vaccine, but it contains the inactivated (dead) H1N1 virus. The inactivated H1N1 shot contains the killed virus and will not give the recipient the H1N1 flu. The H1N1 shot takes about two weeks to reach effectiveness.
The inactivated H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time as the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine or any other vaccine. The two vaccinations that cannot be given together are the live attenuated 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine and the seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
People taking immunosuppressive drugs should receive the inactivated H1N1 shot, not the H1N1 LAIV. (The H1N1 LAIV, which contains live, weakened H1N1 viruses, is not recommended for those who have a chronic disease such as IBD. The H1N1 LAIV should also not be taken by anyone who takes medications that can weaken the immune system, such as the IBD drugs mentioned above.)
Each state is rolling out their own plan for vaccinations, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that in the event that demand for the vaccine exceeds supply, these groups should receive the vaccine first: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions. The CDC expects that there will be enough H1N1 vaccine available for anyone who chooses to become vaccinated.
The Bottom Line
IBD patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who are taking immunosupressive drugs are at risk of serious complications from the flu. Vaccination is key. Talk to your doctor soon about getting vaccinated.Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Questions & Answers: 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine." CDC.gov 13 Oct 2009. 15 Oct 2009.
