I work at Hopkins and the shots are required (and free) here. My hep c doctor strongly advised that I get one each year, so I have continued to get them. I had one just before starting in 2011, had one during the wait for SVR in 2012, and just got one in October. It contained three different virus antigens including H1N1, and I have had no ill effects from any of these shots. But each patient has to confer with his doctor and arrive at his own decision. For my part I recommend them.

Alan

I asked my Hepa about getting my flu shot and he said absolutely not! Even though it's the introduction of a dead virus, he didn't believe introducing anything into the body while I was on triple therapy was that important. The vaccine only protects against a certain strain, not all strains. If there is any risk of a reaction from the vaccine at this stage of treatment, it isn't worth it to me. We've got enough to deal with. I'll get one next year.

i am also all for flu shots, but ,i guess it's my luck, i always get flu before i get to the hospital to get a damn flu shot (or i am late and there are no more flu shots left)...i just finished with some short semiweak flu last week and week before that i was telling my gf we should go to get flu shots. History repeats itself :)

My Dr. has told me to get one ever since i started seeing him in 99. So i been getting them for awhile now with no problems. He also had me get the Hep a and b Vaccine.

I saw the article and have been debating (with myself) about the flu shot.  Have been holding off because I am on a trial.  Don't want anything to conflict with my meds especially since I am close to the end.  The earlier trial was in the Spring--so they may not have data concerning flu shots.  Would hate to do anything to mess up my trial so I have not taken one.

Thanks for the info

SuziQ

Here is another link with more insight 

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2013/09/hcv-influenza-and-you-flu-shots.html

I had thought some of the negitive items of vaccinations was the other components that are also in with the shot.

Here is a link that's speaks against the Flu shot just to balance off the topic

http://touch.humanevents.com/humanevents/#!/entry/flu-shot-side-effects,524f09eeda27f5d9d02dae4e/1

Has anyone experienced negitive side effects from other vaccinations?

matt

Hi folks, the HCV Advocate website has brought out a new fact sheet which recommends that people living with Hep C or on treatment should get a flu shot, and I thought this would be a good time to bring the subject up again.  Many doctors are in favour of flu shots, while on the other hand I know that quite a few of our members don`t agree with the idea, so I would say if in doubt it would be best to ask your doctor or medical team what they advise.

Here`s the fact sheet, in pdf format...

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/flu_shot.pdf