Ulcerative Colitis and Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Summary: If you have Ulcerative Colitis (UC), vaccines are a super important way to protect your health. UC and the medicines used to treat it can weaken your immune system. This makes catching a normal bug much more dangerous, because getting sick can trigger terrible UC flares and land you in the hospital.

Doctors say adults with UC should get standard shots like the flu, COVID-19, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines. But there is a big catch! You must only get "inactivated" (non-live) vaccines. Live vaccines, like the nasal flu spray or the measles shot, are not safe if you take immune-lowering drugs. The absolute best time to get caught up on your shots is right before you start a new UC medicine. Always check with your gastroenterologist to make sure your vaccine record is up to date!

For more details, see rssapp-everydayhealth-com at everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis-and-vaccines/ (opens in new tab)