Darn, a DMD delay

[Corriel]

I was supposed to start Rebif tomorrow but my doctor wants to "beef up" my immune system first. I have had 2 booster shots so far and a third scheduled next week as well as TB testing in the next few days. I will also probably need the Hepatitis vaccines. My understanding was that Rebif would not lower my immune system so I am slightly disappointed in my doc's decision. The nurse can't see me for another couple of weeks now.

Has anyone else had to do this before starting their interferon treatment?

So far I have had the tetanus/whooping cough/diptheria and pneumonia vaccines. Next week is measles/mump/rubella and likely the Hepatitis ones after that.

[Mike_Shuswap]

I remember having to get a TB test before starting Rebif. I tested neg but if it had been pos I would have had to treat the TB before starting Rebif.

I don't recal specifically being vaccinated for anything prior to Rebif though. I myself have never had a flair as a result of vaccinations, but we're all different.

Mike

[Corriel]

Thanks beachcat! I have already had mumps and measle so I don't see the need for a vaccine for Rubella myself. Tetanus I can live with but I have never had pneumonia so I hadn't given that one any thought. I haven't traveled to anyplace where the Hep vaccines were needed so I don't see the need for those either. I get a flu shot every year and had all of childhood vaccinatiins so this whole thing was a surprise for me to be dealing with now.  

It hadn't occurred to me that this could cause a flare up so I am going to be sure to get adequate sleep just in case. :-)

[beachcat]

sorry that should have been previously vaccinated not unvaccinated.

[beachcat]

I'm not a doctor, but why are you getting so many vaccines at this point? Were you not previously unvaccinated? I mean rubella/measles etc. isn't recommended after the initial series is complete.

There is even some train of thought that says vaccines can lead to flares etc. Now that's certainly not fact in any way, but I'm not sure I'd want to be "beefing up my immune system"  with so much at once. Things that stimulate the immune system can actually lead to a flare. Most people with MS have a very active immune system.