The Expert Series S8E5: Lupus and Recommended Immunizations

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, Dr. Amit Saxena dives into why vaccines are such a powerful tool for people living with lupus. Since lupus and some of its treatments can weaken the immune system, getting the right vaccines can make a big difference in staying healthy and preventing serious infections. Dr. Saxena also breaks down which vaccines are most important and how lupus medications can impact their effectiveness.

Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html

Episode Takeaways:

• Vaccines help protect people with lupus from serious infections, which can be harder for them to fight off.
• Getting the flu, COVID-19, and shingles vaccines is especially important.
• Some lupus medications might need to be paused before getting certain vaccines, so make sure to talk to your doctor first.
• While side effects can sometimes feel stronger, vaccines are generally safe and effective for people with lupus.
• Adults with lupus may also need booster shots or updated versions of vaccines they received as kids.

Related Resources:

• Ask a Lupus Health Educator: https://www.lupus.org/care-support/ask-a-health-educator
• Find Support Near You: https://www.lupus.org/resources/find-support-near-you
• Be Prepared to Fight Flu and COVID this Winter: https://www.lupus.org/blog/be-prepared-to-fight-flu-and-covid-this-winter
• Lupus and Vaccines: https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-and-vaccines
• National Resource Center on Lupus: https://www.lupus.org/resources
• The Expert Series: https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-the-expert-series