Getting vaccinated helps me protect myself and others with MS

I recently got my yearly influenza vaccine, which protects against the flu. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In an average year, thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year.”

Because of my multiple sclerosis (MS), I’m at a higher risk for more severe illness and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. Thus, I choose to get vaccinated.

Protection doesn’t fully develop until about two weeks after vaccination. Because I’m going out of the country at the end of September, I got the shot earlier than usual this year to ensure I’m protected and won’t get sick on my vacation.

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I also got my pneumococcal vaccine for the first time. It protects against pneumonia, a severe lung infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The CDC notes that this vaccine is recommended for anyone 50 and older, as well as those 19 to 49 years old with certain risk factors, such as an immunocompromised state. As with the flu, my MS puts me at higher risk of more severe illness from pneumococcal disease.

At 56 years old, I’ve never received or been advised to get the pneumococcal vaccine, which I find interesting. I obviously meet the age recommendation, am at higher risk of complications, and am also immunocompromised because I take a disease-modifying therapy to manage my MS. Gilenya (fingolimod) suppresses my immune system, lowering my white blood cell count. While this helps treat the disease, it also reduces my body’s ability to fight infection.

Vaccine awareness

Even though I’m a pharmacist, I don’t practice in the community setting, and my knowledge of vaccine requirements is limited. I became aware that I should get the pneumococcal vaccine after seeing a television commercial raising vaccine awareness.

I had a good experience receiving both of these vaccines. I had no side effects besides soreness at the injection sites. It was more noticeable in my right arm, where I received the flu vaccine.

I wanted to get a COVID-19 booster, but the pharmacies in my area of Missouri don’t yet have access to the vaccine, and it’s unclear who will be eligible to receive it when they do have the medication in stock.

The last time I went out of the country, I contracted a severe case of COVID-19, which developed into pneumonia. The illness ruined my vacation, and I was sick for two months after returning home. I want to decrease my chances of that happening again, but I don’t think I’ll have access to the new COVID-19 vaccine before I leave.

I recently read something that resonated with me: “Get vaccinated for others.” Vaccines not only protect me; they also help me to protect others who are vulnerable. This includes young children who aren’t fully vaccinated yet, people with weakened immune systems (like me!), pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and people with cancer.

I’m concerned about my own health, but that comment made me think about my family and friends who could also be at risk. Something easily preventable could change their lives. I’m glad that my choice to get vaccinated benefits those around me, too.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.