Had A Epidural For Arthritis In Neck. Can A Late Flu Shot Harm?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 Answered on

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a epidural for arthritis in neck. I was told to wait 2 weeks after the proceedure to get my flu shot. I completely forgot and got my flu shot today, 6 days after the epidural. What can I expect to happen.

Answered by Dr. Pragnesh Vachharajani (57 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

2 weeks period was needed so that there should be no effect on the efficacy of vaccine as a steroid was given.

As you have taken it now,there are chances that efficacy of vaccine may be reduced and protection may go down.

Other then this nothing much is expected and there is nothing to worry about.These vaccines are from killed virus vaccine.

You can continue the medicines you are taking at present.

I do not expect anything to happen.

I hope this answers your query,I will be glad to reply any follow queries that you have.

regards,

dr.pragnesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika