Having recommended vaccinations is an important part of staying well.

If you’re over the age of 65, or if you’re pregnant or have a long-term health condition, then you’ll fall into a high-risk group for infections. This includes people with many of the rheumatic diseases.

People in high-risk groups should be vaccinated against flu and pneumococcus (bacteria that can cause a certain type of pneumonia and meningitis). Some immunosuppressed patients over the age of 70 may be suitable for the shingles vaccine, but you should check with your rheumatology team that it’s suitable for you before agreeing to the injection.

More information can be found here:

NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Vaccinations | Side-effects, protection and infection (versusarthritis.org)