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Fortunately, denosumab should not impact the ability to receive the measles vaccine safely. However, this is not the case for many other medications used in rheumatology. The Measles vaccine (MMR) is a live attenuated vaccine. While it is safe in most situations and quite effective, we do need to be very careful for those who may be receiving medications that modulate the immune system. This means the majority of disease modifying medications in rheumatology would need to be held for a few months prior to receiving the MMR vaccine safely. Denosumab does not affect the immune system in the same way so should be considered safe in most circumstances. For more information on vaccine safety in rheumatology, please visit our vaccination information webpage. It is always best to check with your rheumatology team to see how to best approach this situation should you need an MMR vaccine, or any other live attenuated vaccine.

Michele from Camrose asks: I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease and am taking plaquenil. Should I be getting a flu shot and also I am in need of my second MMR immunization. Is it safe to proceed?

As a general rule, most vaccines are safe for those with a rheumatic disease and on treatment. In fact, patients are encouraged to receive an annual influenza vaccination.

Caution is required for live vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), depending on the medication you are taking. Visit our vaccination page to find out more, but always discuss the details of your particular situation with your physician.