Taking osteoporosis drug treatments alongside COVID and flu vaccines

As we head into autumn 2026, our specialist osteoporosis nurse, Kirsty, answers common questions about having the flu and COVID vaccines.

What questions do people ask about taking flu and COVID vaccines?

We're often asked if it’s safe to have these vaccines alongside osteoporosis drug treatments, particularly those given by injection such as denosumab, zoledronate, teriparatide and romosozumab.

We’d like to reassure people that is it safe and that flu and COVID vaccines can be given while you're taking an osteoporosis drug treatment. The vaccines aren’t known to clash with these medicines in any way.

Denosumab is an antibody-based medication, but unlike many other antibody-based drugs such as those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, it doesn’t suppress your immune system. This means it doesn't increase your risk of complications from having vaccines such as COVID or flu.

Should you leave a gap between vaccines and osteoporosis injections?

Some people ask us if they need to leave a gap between their vaccine and their osteoporosis injection or infusion.

There is no reason to leave a gap, and these injections can even be given on the same day.

However, if you tend to feel unwell after a flu or COVID jab, or after having your osteoporosis treatment, then it may help to leave a few days so you don’t experience those symptoms from both drug treatments at the same time.

For more details, see our Treatments and medicines pages.