Medicines that suppress immunity and vaccinations

Many non-live vaccines can be given while taking medicines that suppress immunity, but protection may be lower. Live vaccines can sometimes be dangerous; plan every vaccination with your treating clinician and never stop the immunosuppressant yourself.

• Short-lived pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
• Tiredness, muscle aches, headache or a mild fever as a normal immune response.
• Bring an up-to-date medicine list to every vaccination and mention infusions, injections and recently stopped medicines too.
• Keep vaccination records and note the date, vaccine type and treatment location.
• Seek advice before every vaccination if you take, recently took or will soon start an immunosuppressant.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.