As more kids are being prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab) for moderate to severe eczema and asthma, we are starting to see an issue with it possibly interfering with their regularly scheduled immunizations.
After all, the prescribing information for Dupixent does include a warning (not a contraindication!) about avoiding the use of live vaccines while taking the drug.
Dupixent with Live Vaccines Like MMR and Varivax
Wait, why does Dupixent have this warning?
“Because of its immune modulatory effects, clinical trials that studied dupilumab did not allow patients to receive live vaccines during the clinical trials because of an abundance of caution, and thus package inserts recommend that patients who are being treated with dupilumab should avoid live vaccines. Because dupilumab is now approved for use in patients from 6 months of age for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, this reported contraindication is now posing a clinical dilemma for patients and clinicians.”
A systematic review and expert Delphi Consensus recommendation on the use of vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab: A position paper of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
As an interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist, while not technically an immunosuppressant, Dupixent does reduce or inhibit immune responses. That’s why it works so well in folks with moderate to severe eczema and asthma and some other conditions. But that’s why it also initially led to some concern that it might also inhibit live vaccines from working as well as they should.
“The available literature on patients who received vaccinations while using dupilumab overall suggests that live vaccines are safe and that the vaccine efficacy, in general, is not affected by dupilumab. The expert Delphi panel agreed that the use of vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab was likely safe and effective.”
A systematic review and expert Delphi Consensus recommendation on the use of vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab: A position paper of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Fortunately, recent reviews and studies should reassure patients that it is safe to get vaccinated and protected with live vaccines while taking Dupixent.
“During the 4-week post-vaccination period, there were no treatment-emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, or infections reported in any children.”
A Case Series of Live Attenuated Vaccine Administration in Dupilumab-Treated Children With Atopic Dermatitis
This is especially important as we see measles cases and outbreaks continue to rise!
Are your children taking Dupixent?
Are they due for vaccines, especially any live vaccines like MMR or Varivax soon?
“Vaccines (including live vaccines) can be administered to patients receiving dupilumab in a shared decision-making capacity.”
A systematic review and expert Delphi Consensus recommendation on the use of vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab: A position paper of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Make sure you and your provider are up-to-date on the latest guidelines on taking Dupixent while getting a live vaccine.
More on Live Vaccines and Dupixent
- A systematic review and expert Delphi Consensus recommendation on the use of vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab: A position paper of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- ACAAI position paper looks at use of live vaccines for patients on dupilumab
- A Case Series of Live Attenuated Vaccine Administration in Dupilumab-Treated Children With Atopic Dermatitis
- FDA – Dupixent prescribing information
- False Vaccine Contraindications
Last Updated on February 13, 2026
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