How Long After A Cortisone Injection Can The Flu Vaccination Be Administered?

Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016

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

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 5 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My 24 year old son had a cortisone injection on Saturday for a severe allergic reaction. How long must he wait before getting the flu vaccine? thank you.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest you wait at least a month for complete washout

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to HCM, that is a very good question.

I would suggest you wait at least a month for complete washout of the injection effect.

Normally 2 weeks should suffice, but we do not want immunity build up of the flu vaccine not to happen because of residual effect of the cortisone injection.

warm regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj