Why the Flu Shot Is Strongly Recommended for People with Multiple Sclerosis
What if you're taking steroids for MS?
If you have MS and you are taking steroids, they can help to calm your immune system during a relapse. However, they work by stopping the immune response, meaning that getting vaccinated while on steroids may not work because antibodies will not form. “Steroids can suppress your immune system and so put you at greater danger of getting the flu from people around you, thus making vaccination even more important. Steroids can also prevent your body from fighting off the flu virus and so you may be sicker from the virus,” said Kantor. “This is a perfect example of why medical care is best when it is done in a clinical setting within the doctor-patient relationship. Your doctors can help you weigh the risks vs. benefits of being vaccinated while on steroids, which will also depend on the dose of the steroids and how long you are on steroids for,” he added.