What are the vaccine recommendations for patients taking Cosentyx (secukinumab)?

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Last updated: August 12, 2025 • View editorial policy

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Vaccine Recommendations for Patients Taking Cosentyx (Secukinumab)

Patients taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) should complete all age-appropriate vaccinations as recommended by current immunization guidelines prior to initiating treatment, and should avoid live vaccines during treatment. 1

General Vaccination Principles for Secukinumab Patients

Before Starting Cosentyx

  • Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations prior to initiating Cosentyx therapy 1
  • Consider the following vaccinations if not up-to-date:
    • Non-live vaccines (strongly recommended):
      • Pneumococcal vaccine (for patients <65 years on immunosuppressive therapy) 2
      • Recombinant zoster vaccine (for patients >18 years on immunosuppressive therapy) 2
      • Influenza vaccine (annual)
      • HPV vaccine (for patients age >26 and <45 years who weren't previously vaccinated) 2

During Cosentyx Treatment

  • Live vaccines are contraindicated during Cosentyx therapy 1
    • Examples of live vaccines to avoid: BCG, measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever, oral polio, oral typhoid, varicella zoster (live version) 2
  • Non-live vaccines can be safely administered during treatment 2
  • Patients should inform healthcare providers they are taking Cosentyx before receiving any vaccination 1

Specific Vaccine Recommendations

Influenza Vaccination

  • Annual influenza vaccination is recommended (non-live)
  • No need to hold Cosentyx around the time of influenza vaccination 2

Pneumococcal Vaccination

  • Strongly recommended for patients <65 years taking immunosuppressive medications like Cosentyx 2
  • Can be administered during treatment without interrupting therapy

Zoster Vaccination

  • Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is strongly recommended for patients >18 years on immunosuppressive therapy 2
  • Do not use live zoster vaccine (Zostavax) during Cosentyx treatment

HPV Vaccination

  • Conditionally recommended for patients age >26 and <45 years who weren't previously vaccinated 2

Special Considerations

Timing of Vaccines

  • For optimal immune response, administer vaccines at least 2-4 weeks before starting Cosentyx when possible
  • If vaccination is needed during treatment:
    • Continue Cosentyx during administration of non-live vaccines 2
    • Measure antibody response after vaccination in patients on high-dose glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressants in addition to Cosentyx 2

Infection Risk

  • Cosentyx increases risk of infections, with most being mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections 2
  • Monitor patients for signs of infection following vaccination
  • Serious infections occurred in a small proportion of patients (0.015 serious infections per patient-year) 2

Antibody Response

  • Most patients on Cosentyx will develop adequate antibody responses to non-live vaccines
  • Consider checking antibody titers after vaccination in high-risk patients or those on multiple immunosuppressants

Practical Approach to Vaccination in Cosentyx Patients

  1. Before starting Cosentyx: Update all vaccinations, including any needed live vaccines
  2. During Cosentyx treatment: Administer only non-live vaccines
  3. After discontinuing Cosentyx: Wait at least 4 months (based on 5 half-lives) before administering live vaccines

By following these recommendations, patients can maintain protection against vaccine-preventable diseases while minimizing risks associated with vaccination during Cosentyx treatment.

References

2
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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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.

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