Can you get a flu shot while taking cimzia (certolizumab pegol)?

Check with doctor: A person taking Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) should not get a live virus vaccine, such as the FluMist nasal spray. Flu shots are not alive, so a flu shot should be ok, but one should first check with the doctor prescribing the cimzia (certolizumab pegol). Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) can lower the immune system's ability to fight certain infections.

Rule: A good rule of thumb is to avoid live vaccinations such the nasal flu vaccine while taking a biologic response modifier (cimzia, enbrel, etc.). The flu shot is not a live vaccine. Another good rule would be to try to have all vaccines up to date before starting a biologic drug.