Frequently Asked Questions

What about immunizations such as the 'flu jab?
Because the immune system appears to be functioning abnormally in ME, and often fails to make the correct response to an immunization, you are advised to avoid immunizations unless the risk of the disease is greater than the risks of a bad reaction. A significant number of people date their illness onset from having a jab. A flu jab does not always protect against 'flu (there are different viruses every year), and can bring on a bad relapse. It is only advisable if the person would be seriously at risk of getting pneumonia, or is very frail and elderly.

Routine jabs when going on holiday (such as for typhoid and cholera) are rarely necessary. The only one that is compulsory is for yellow fever, endemic in some parts of Africa. However, if in doubt you can discuss with your GP.