Can people on Cosentyx (secukinumab) get COVID-19 vaccines?
Cosentyx is a biologic that suppresses parts of the immune system (it blocks interleukin-17A). People taking immune-modifying therapies are generally advised to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, but they may respond differently than people not on such medicines. The key practical point is that vaccination is still recommended for most patients on therapies like Cosentyx, with guidance tailored by the treating clinician.
Because vaccination recommendations depend on the specific patient (age, prior vaccine history, other immune conditions, and how stable their treatment is), clinicians typically provide individualized advice rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Does Cosentyx reduce how well the COVID vaccine works?
Yes—immune-modifying drugs can blunt or change immune responses, which may lead to a weaker antibody response in some patients. However, vaccines can still provide benefit, including protection against severe disease. Patients on Cosentyx often get additional doses/boosters under current public-health guidance to help maintain protection over time.
Are there safety concerns if you’re taking Cosentyx and get vaccinated?
COVID-19 vaccines are not expected to interact directly with Cosentyx in a way that would make them unsafe for most patients. The main issues clinicians watch for are:
- fever or fatigue after vaccination (common vaccine effects that can overlap with medical symptoms)
- whether disease flares occur around the time of vaccination
- rare allergic reactions (standard to any vaccine)
If someone has had serious reactions to a prior COVID-19 vaccine dose, that history should be discussed with their clinician before the next dose.
What about live COVID vaccines—can Cosentyx patients take them?
In general, immunosuppressive biologics raise concerns about live vaccines. Most COVID-19 products used in routine immunization are not live, but the specific product matters. If a live vaccine were ever under consideration, it would need clinician review based on the exact vaccine type and current treatment status.
Should Cosentyx dosing be paused around COVID vaccination?
People sometimes wonder whether they should delay or adjust biologic dosing around vaccination to improve immune response or reduce side effects. For many patients, clinicians do not automatically stop Cosentyx for vaccination, because the tradeoff can include loss of disease control. The decision is individualized and should come from the prescribing rheumatology/dermatology/immune team.
What do patients usually ask about timing?
Common questions include whether to:
- get the vaccine right before the next Cosentyx dose versus mid-cycle
- schedule vaccination during periods when symptoms are stable
- coordinate vaccination around any recent infections
The best advice is the clinician’s plan for that patient, because it depends on their dosing schedule and baseline risk.
If you want, share which “COVID vaccine” and “Cosentyx” scenario you mean
Recommendations can differ based on:
- which COVID-19 vaccine product (and dose number/booster status)
- your Cosentyx schedule (e.g., every 4 weeks)
- the condition being treated (psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.)
- whether you’re also on other immune medicines
If you tell me your age and when your last Cosentyx dose and last COVID shot were, I can help you map the most relevant questions to ask your clinician.