Vaccines and lupus are closely connected as vaccination plays a key role in protecting the health of people living with lupus, especially those who are immunocompromised.
This page provides clear, accessible, evidence based vaccine information to support informed healthcare decisions and help address the unique needs of the lupus community.
Vaccines work with the body’s immune system to make us less susceptible to infections and less likely to develop serious illness, according to the Government of Canada. They also help reduce the spread of disease between people.
Vaccines expose the immune system to small, harmless pieces of a virus or bacteria, called antigens, so the body can learn to recognize them. If we encounter the real virus or bacteria later, our immune system responds more quickly, which may prevent illness or make the symptoms much milder.
Some vaccines also help create community, or “herd,” immunity. When more people are vaccinated, diseases have fewer opportunities to spread. This helps protect those at higher risk of complications, including people who cannot receive certain vaccines or whose immune systems may not respond as strongly.
This page brings together essential information about recommended vaccines, vaccines that may be avoided when on immune suppression, timing considerations and key discussions to have with your healthcare provider.
For Canadians Impacted By Lupus
Why Vaccines Matter
Learn why vaccination is an important part of maintaining health for people with lupus, including recommended vaccines, those usually avoided on immunosuppressive medications and helpful timing tips.
HPV Vaccine
Explore what HPV is, why the HPV vaccine may be recommended, safety considerations for lupus patients and Health Canada’s guidance on effectiveness and side effects.
Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
Find out why shingles risk is higher for individuals with lupus, what Shingrix is, its safety on immune suppression, flare considerations and how the vaccine is administered.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Learn more about what meningococcal disease is, why risk may be increased in lupus, when vaccination is recommended and potential flare or side effect considerations.
RSV Vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Why RSV matters for adults with lupus, recommended vaccine products, dosing, timing and safety considerations for immunocompromised patients.
Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)
Understand why influenza can be more serious for lupus patients and review key information on flu shot safety, flare risk, how it is given and timing with immune suppression.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Learn about pneumococcal disease, why people with lupus may be at increased risk, how often the vaccine is given, potential side effects and whether it can trigger lupus flares.
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Review when MMR may be needed, who should avoid live vaccines, safety in lupus, potential side effects and guidance on measles antibody titres.
COVID-19 Vaccine
What people with lupus should know about COVID-19 vaccination, safety, flare risk, effectiveness, medication timing and considerations for immunosuppressive therapies.
Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB)
Learn about Hepatitis B, why vaccination is important in lupus, which vaccines are used, when to receive them and flare or safety considerations.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines (Td, Tdap/DPT)
Stay informed about tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, why these vaccines are essential for people with lupus, how often boosters are needed, and important safety and timing considerations for those on immunosuppressive treatment.