FYI: If you're on prednisone and plan on getting the flu shot

I went to get the flu shot the other day at RiteAid and was filling out the forms. It asks if you're on Prednisone or a similar class drug. Turns out Prednisone can lower the effectiveness of the flu shot. I had no idea!
Since I'll be getting off of it in a few weeks, my doc recommended I wait. Just an FYI to talk to your doc before going- I know most people get the flu shot at their doctor's office but I'm sorta in between docs at the moment and my RE doesnt carry the shot.

Re: FYI: If you're on prednisone and plan on getting the flu shot

I am soooooo not a Dr., so I'd ask them.

But personally in my mind it seems like a bad idea (and I could be wrong). But if a steroid is known to lower your immune system, and we all know sometimes, rarely but sometimes, the flu shot causes a fever or sometimes a mild sickness. Then it leads me to believe you could be risking that to happen to you while you're pregnant, because of the lowered immune system.

That is what I automatically figured in my non-medical mind.

But again I'd ask someone else, a professional!

Re: FYI: If you're on prednisone and plan on getting the flu shot

The pharmacist didnt say anything about getting sick - just that prednisone lowers the shots effectiveness. But yes, I checked with doc and he recommended I wait till I get off of it which is in about 4 weeks.