The Flu Shot: When to Put Off a Flu Vaccination

Q. My wife always gets her flu shot around now, but she just started 6 days of oral steroids to ease a painful bout of sciatica. The package insert says "immunization procedures should not be undertaken in patients on corticosteroids." Should she put off her flu shot?
-- David, via e-mail

A. If only your wife could choose between a flu shot and a sciatica attack. We're sure she'd take the needle jab. It's a walk in the park by comparison.

Good on you for reading the package insert. If only everyone would do this! You've asked exactly the right question. The answer is: Yes, delay the flu shot until 3 days after your wife finishes her Rx. The main reason: The steroids could weaken her response to the vaccine, making it less effective. Getting enough of this vitamin will help fend off the flu, too.

While this is a bit unlikely with a short regimen, why push it? Especially since just a few days are involved. (Check out these 7 flu myths.) Make sure your wife gets her flu shot ASAP afterward, as it takes about 2 weeks to kick in. Once it does, it's about 70% to 80% effective in preventing flu hospitalizations and fatalities. Good stuff.

This simple little trick will make your flu shot -- and your mom's -- last longer.