Can I receive the inactivated influenza vaccine while receiving ixekizumab (Ilumya) injections every three months for psoriasis?

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Last updated: November 11, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Yes, you can safely receive the flu shot while on Ilumya (tildrakizumab) for psoriasis.

The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe to administer to patients receiving biologic therapy like Ilumya and should be given without interrupting your treatment. 1, 2

Key Points About Flu Vaccination on Ilumya

Safety and Timing

  • Continue your Ilumya injections as scheduled - there is no need to stop or delay your biologic therapy for the flu shot 1
  • The FDA label for Ilumya specifically states to "avoid the use of live vaccines" but makes no restriction on inactivated vaccines 2
  • Inactivated (killed) influenza vaccines are explicitly safe for patients on biologic therapy 1

Which Flu Vaccine to Get

  • Get the standard inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) - the regular flu shot given by injection 3
  • Do NOT get the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist/LAIV) - this is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated while on Ilumya 4, 5

Vaccine Effectiveness

While you're on Ilumya, the flu vaccine should still provide adequate protection. Research on similar IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors shows:

  • Anti-IL-17 biologics (like secukinumab) do not interfere with immune response to influenza vaccination 6, 7
  • Patients on these biologics achieve similar antibody responses and seroprotection rates as healthy controls 7, 8
  • No evidence suggests Ilumya (an IL-23 inhibitor) would impair vaccine response 6

Important Caveats

Live vaccines are absolutely contraindicated while on Ilumya. This includes:

  • Nasal flu vaccine (FluMist)
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Yellow fever
  • Oral polio
  • Oral typhoid 1, 2

Practical Recommendations

  • Schedule your flu shot at any time during your Ilumya treatment cycle
  • No need to coordinate timing with your Ilumya injections
  • Get vaccinated annually, ideally in October or November 3
  • If you have any active infection, wait until it resolves before getting vaccinated 3

The bottom line: Get your annual flu shot as recommended for the general population - your Ilumya treatment does not change this recommendation and should not be interrupted. 3, 1

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.