Vaccinations when taking DMARDs or Biologics Print Page

^a If patient has received Pneumovax-23 previously, administer Prevnar-13 at least 1 year later, followed by a Pneumovax-23 booster ³5 years after the first dose at age ³65.
^b Despite the monograph statement that Zostavax II should not be administered at the same time as Pneumovax-23 due to potential for reduced immune response, this has not been found to be clinically important. Thus, either Prevnar-13 or Pneumovax-23 may be provided concomitantly with Zostavax II.
¹ Ideally, provide ≥14 days before biologic initiation or wait >3 half-lives after stopping biologic therapy
² Administer ≥4 weeks before biologic initiation or wait >3 half-lives and at least 1 month after stopping biologic therapy
³ To ensure minimal immunosuppression (reduce risk of infection) and optimal vaccine response: recommend waiting >3 half-lives after stopping biologics to give live vaccines. To ensure safety, guidelines recommend waiting 6mo after last dose of RTX & INFL.

⁴ Under compelling circumstances may be considered; consultation with infectious diseases physician recommended.
⁵ High-Risk Groups:
Hepatitis A: travel to, immigrants from, or residence in endemic countries of HAV; occupational exposure (i.e. health care professionals); infected family member or contacts; illicit drug users; men who have sex with men; chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis B: residents, immigrants, travelers, or close contact with individuals from HBV endemic areas; persons with lifestyle risks: illicit drug use (injectable or non-injectable), oral sex, men who have sex with men, other high risk sexual practices; chronic liver disease; chronic kidney disease; occupational exposure (i.e. health care professionals); frequent blood transfusions.
HPV: previous STI, number of partners, inconsistent condom use, men who have sex with men (not covered by public health)
Meningococcal: travellers to sub-Saharan Africa, Mecca, Saudi Arabia; laboratory or military personnel; close contact of a case of IMD or outbreak control, high risk medical conditions.