Can you get a flu shot while taking Cosentyx?
Yes. Patients taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) can generally receive an annual flu vaccine, but it should be the right type: an inactivated (non-live) flu jab rather than a live vaccine.
Cosentyx is an immunomodulating biologic medicine that targets interleukin-17A, so clinicians typically recommend avoiding live vaccines during treatment and using inactivated vaccines instead.
Live vs inactivated flu vaccines: what’s allowed with Cosentyx?
- Inactivated flu jab (standard flu shot): generally considered appropriate during Cosentyx use.
- Live attenuated nasal spray flu vaccine (the one given through the nose): generally avoided during biologic therapy because it contains a live, weakened virus.
If you’re not sure which product you’re being offered, ask the pharmacy or clinic whether it is an inactivated shot or the live nasal spray.
Who should confirm first: does it depend on your situation?
It can depend on factors like how frequently you miss doses, your infection history, and any other immunosuppressing medicines you take with Cosentyx. In practice, the safest approach is to confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist, especially if you’ve had recent infections or you take other immune-suppressing therapies.
When to schedule the flu jab if you’re on Cosentyx?
There usually isn’t a special “waiting period” required just to get the flu shot. The key is vaccine type (avoid live vaccines). You can typically get the flu shot at any point during treatment, but your clinician may recommend timing based on your dosing schedule and overall infection risk.
Do flu shots work and are they safe on Cosentyx?
Non-live vaccines like the inactivated flu shot are designed to trigger protection without causing the flu illness itself, which is why they’re the standard recommendation for people on immune-modifying medications. Your prescriber can help weigh benefits (reduced flu risk) against any individual concerns.
What to ask at the appointment
Bring or tell the clinic:
- That you take Cosentyx
- Whether the vaccine offered is the standard inactivated flu shot or the live nasal spray
- Any other immune-related medicines you take
Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com: Cosentyx (secukinumab) patent and drug information