📋 What Medications Should Not Be Taken With a Flu Shot? (AARP Article)

[Winter2025VA]

*** 1 comment so far on the AARP WEBSITE. Stop by to read comments and add yours. ***

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!!

5 Medications That Interact With the Flu Shot.

Some drugs can make the influenza vaccine less effective.

By Terry Ann Donner, AARP. Published November 13, 2024.

Imagine showing up for a pain injection and your pain management physician cancels your appointment because you just received the flu vaccine.

John Meyerhoffer, an 85-year-old retired police officer, has debilitating knee pain. He receives steroid injections every three to four months to manage his pain.

https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2024/flu-shot-medication-interaction.html

[GailL1]

While I think this is a wonderful and informative article,  I don’t believe that the medical form one completes to get the annual flu shot ask about any medications - OTC or Rx - neither does the handout they give you about potential side effect.

Seems this should be a caution given to people before they get their annual dosing and then as a warning after they get the vaccine.  

But maybe I am remembering things wrong.  Am I?  

[Winter2025VA]

Gail @GailL1 , I can only speak for myself. NOT sure if you are right or wrong. I always find out what NOT to do with any meds I take. In my opinion, NOT saying I am correct - EACH person is "responsible" for themselves = ASK questions. Lol, I am way too scared of "reactions" to vaccines to NOT ask. You brought up some good points!!!  👍

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[*** GAIL wrote: While I think this is a wonderful and informative article,  I don’t believe that the medical form one completes to get the annual flu shot ask about any medications - OTC or Rx - neither does the handout they give you about potential side effect.

Seems this should be a caution given to people before they get their annual dosing and then as a warning after they get the vaccine.  

But maybe I am remembering things wrong.  Am I?  ***]

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[GailL1]

Have you had your annual flu vaccine this year?  What did they say about the subject meds in the article you posted - did they know?

I get mine at the local pharmacy - while I knew about some of the meds mentioned in the article - I didn’t know about others that didn’t involve me but would involve others.  

[Winter2025VA]

Gail @GailL1 , yes I got my yearly Flu shot along with the two COVID shots. To be honest, I do not remember if they did as what I am on for my Chlolestral and Blood Pressure has no issues. Lol, senior moments of late and I guess they help to keep me sane as I age = clean out the unimportant to make space for today.

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[*** GAIL wrote: Have you had your annual flu vaccine this year?  What did they say about the subject meds in the article you posted - did they know?

I get mine at the local pharmacy - while I knew about some of the meds mentioned in the article - I didn’t know about others that didn’t involve me but would involve others. ***]

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[GailL1]

But then there is this:  (from article). I learned about this from the Covid vaccine but also affects the flu vaccine too.

3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen and aspirin

[Winter2025VA]

Gail @GailL1 , I had to WAIT 2 weeks before getting my 2nd COVID shot after my Flu Shot.

The only meds I take are my Chlolestral, Blood Pressure and Womens age 50+ multi gummies.

As stated before, none of what I take is affected by any vaccines. I read about my meds when I 1st get them.

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[*** GAIL wrote: But then there is this:  (from article). I learned about this from the Covid vaccine but also affects the flu vaccine too.

3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen and aspirin ***]

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[GailL1]

Just to make sure I am clear with what you said - you don’t take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin or any other NSAID especially for discomfort which many people feel after a flu shot - or Covid shot?  Over the counter (OTC) meds.

I am pretty sure at one time the pharmacist that gave me the vaccine told me to take those if I had discomfort or local inflammation - LOL 

[Winter2025VA]

Gail @GailL1  , that is correct - I took zero. 

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[*** GAIL wrote: Just to make sure I am clear with what you said - you don’t take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin or any other NSAID especially for discomfort which many people feel after a flu shot - or Covid shot?  Over the counter (OTC) meds.

I am pretty sure at one time the pharmacist that gave me the vaccine told me to take those if I had discomfort or local inflammation - LOL ***]

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