Can you still get vaccinated while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab)?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) suppresses part of the immune system, so you should not assume all vaccines are safe. In general, vaccines are handled based on type: live vaccines are the main concern, while non-live (inactivated or non-live) vaccines are usually allowed for people on medicines like Cosentyx. Your clinician can confirm what applies to your specific vaccine schedule and treatment plan.
What vaccines should you avoid on Cosentyx?
The vaccines most people are advised to avoid during biologic immune suppression are live vaccines (for example, certain intranasal or injected live vaccines). Because Cosentyx can reduce immune responses, live vaccines can pose a higher risk than in someone who isn’t immunosuppressed.
If you’re considering a vaccine, ask your prescriber or pharmacist: “Is this vaccine live or non-live?” That single question often determines whether it’s appropriate during Cosentyx therapy.
What vaccines are usually okay (and why)?
Non-live vaccines—often called inactivated vaccines—do not contain live organisms that can replicate in the body. These are commonly used for adults taking immune-modifying medicines, but timing and your condition still matter.
In practice, clinicians often continue routine non-live vaccines during therapy (and may recommend getting some vaccines before starting a biologic when possible).
Should you pause Cosentyx to get vaccinated?
Do not stop or delay Cosentyx on your own. If a live vaccine is needed (which is uncommon), your healthcare team may recommend adjusting timing—sometimes by planning vaccines before starting the biologic or by using alternative vaccine options.
Because Cosentyx dosing schedules vary, the exact timing guidance should come from the prescribing clinician.
What should you do before getting a vaccine?
Bring these details to your appointment or pharmacy consultation:
- You are taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) and your typical dosing schedule
- Your planned vaccine name (or a photo of the vaccine label)
- Whether you have any history of immune problems or recent infections
Then ask:
- “Is this vaccine live?”
- “Is it safe to take while I’m on Cosentyx?”
- “If not, what’s the alternative and when should I get it?”
Which vaccines usually matter most for people on Cosentyx?
People commonly ask about:
- Seasonal vaccines (like flu)
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Shingles (often a key one to clarify, because live vs non-live formulations differ)
Whether a specific product is appropriate depends on whether it’s live or non-live and on your age and risk factors—so confirming the exact vaccine version matters.
When should you contact your doctor urgently?
Contact your clinician promptly if you:
- Accidentally received a live vaccine while on Cosentyx
- Are unsure whether a vaccine you received was live
- Have fever, rash, or other concerning symptoms after vaccination
Source
- Drug and safety references are often updated; for vaccine/living-vaccine precautions specific to Cosentyx, check the latest prescribing information via DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/