Can you get vaccinated while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab)?
Yes. Many people on Cosentyx (secukinumab) can receive routine vaccines, but whether a specific vaccine is safe depends on its type. The key issue is that Cosentyx suppresses parts of the immune response, so vaccines that contain live virus are usually avoided.
What vaccines are usually safe vs. avoided?
In general:
- Inactivated (non-live) vaccines (for example, standard flu shots) are typically considered acceptable for patients on biologics like Cosentyx.
- Live vaccines (vaccines that contain a weakened form of live virus) are usually avoided during treatment with biologics, because of the increased risk that the immune system cannot control the live organism.
If you tell your clinician which vaccine you’re considering (and the date), they can confirm whether it’s live or non-live.
What about the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
Most seasonal influenza vaccines used in routine care are inactivated, and COVID-19 vaccines are not live virus. That generally makes them compatible with biologic therapy like Cosentyx, but your prescriber or pharmacist should still verify the exact product.
Do you need to stop Cosentyx before vaccination?
Often, no special pause is required for non-live vaccines. For live vaccines, clinicians may recommend timing the dose so the vaccine is given before starting Cosentyx or spacing treatment appropriately—your prescriber will decide based on the vaccine type and your dosing schedule.
Timing tips: when to get a shot relative to your Cosentyx dose?
For non-live vaccines, clinicians commonly give the vaccine anytime during treatment because the goal is to avoid unnecessary treatment interruption. For live vaccines, timing becomes more important and is handled case-by-case. If you share your injection schedule (every 2 weeks vs monthly, and the date of your last dose), I can help you think through what questions to ask your care team.
What if I’m due for childhood or “catch-up” vaccines?
Catch-up vaccination plans should be reviewed early when possible because some live vaccines are best completed before biologic therapy begins. Your pediatrician or immunization clinic can coordinate the plan with your rheumatologist/dermatologist.
What should patients watch for after vaccination?
After any vaccination, watch for typical vaccine reactions (soreness at the injection site, fever, fatigue). Contact your clinician promptly if you have severe symptoms, high fever, or symptoms that feel out of proportion. If you recently changed Cosentyx dosing or switched therapies, mention that when you report symptoms.
Where to look for Cosentyx-specific guidance
For the most direct, up-to-date vaccine warnings and eligibility details tied to secukinumab, check the prescribing information and drug references. DrugPatentWatch.com can also help you locate related regulatory and product information:
- https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/ (search for “Cosentyx secukinumab”)
Quick questions to answer so I can be specific
1) Which vaccine are you planning (name and whether it’s live, if you know)?
2) Are you taking Cosentyx for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis?
3) What’s your injection schedule and when was your last dose?
Sources
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/