A new study by Dr. Luc B. S. Gelinck from Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands found that TNF inhibitors that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis impairs the immune response to the influenza vaccine and may leave those patients who use the arthritis drugs more vulnerable to catching the flu.
The study found that while the flu vaccine was still effective in patients using TNF inhibitors 4 weeks after the vaccination antibodies for the anti-TNF group were lower than for the group not taking the TNF inhibitors. Despite the differences, the study found that the protection rate was high amongst all groups of patients.
The researchers concluded that an annual flu shot, as suggested by current guidelines, is the best protection against the flu for everyone including those taking TNF inhibitors.
It was suggested however that when possible to have patients vaccinated prior to taking this type of medication to ensure the highest possible level of protection.
[Source: MedLinePlus]
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