Dupilumab and live vaccines: what to know

Dupilumab changes selected immune signalling rather than acting like a broad immune suppressant. Even so, vaccine decisions depend on the vaccine, your age, health conditions, travel plans, and the reason you receive dupilumab. A clinician can decide whether a live vaccine should be given, delayed, or replaced with another option.

Do not assume that every vaccine is live. Bring the vaccine name or travel clinic paperwork to your appointment. Your prescribing team and vaccination provider should share the plan so that doses are not scheduled without the relevant medication history.

Before starting dupilumab, ask whether you need to update vaccinations and how far in advance any live vaccine should be considered. While treatment is ongoing, tell pharmacists, travel clinics, dentists, and other clinicians that you use dupilumab. Keep a record of vaccine dates and any reaction after vaccination.

Never stop or postpone dupilumab on your own to make room for a vaccine. The appropriate interval, if any, is a prescribing decision. Routine non-live vaccines may still be appropriate, but confirm each recommendation for your circumstances.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, or rapidly spreading hives after a vaccine or injection. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent high fever, unusual weakness, or worsening illness after vaccination, especially if you have another condition affecting immunity.

Ask which vaccines are live, whether your vaccination record needs updating, what interval is advised, and which symptoms after vaccination should prompt a call.