Stelara and the Covid Vaccine: What should I know?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 26, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Stelara (ustekinumab) is an immunosuppressant, meaning it weakens the immune system and may increase the risk of infections, including COVID-19. Additionally, it can reduce the body's response to vaccines, potentially lowering their effectiveness. While there is limited data on how Stelara specifically affects the COVID-19 vaccine, all non-live vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are generally considered safe for Stelara patients.

Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine While Taking Stelara?

Patients taking Stelara should talk to their doctor about COVID-19 vaccination. Since Stelara suppresses the immune system, those taking Stelara are considered immunocompromised. The COVID-19 vaccine can help those with weak immune systems by preventing severe illness. The CDC recommends:

Never received a COVID-19 vaccine

Initial series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) from the same brand, followed by 1 dose from any brand 6 months later (minimum time is 2 months apart)

Already completed initial COVID-19 vaccine series

Get 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine from any brand (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax), spaced 6 months apart (minimum time is 2 months apart)

Vaccine recommendations may vary based on age and individual health factors. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional doses, at least 2 months after your last dose.

For more details on vaccine timing and schedules, refer to the CDC's guidelines for immunocompromised individuals. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Stelara. October 2019. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/761044s003lbl.pdf [Accessed June 20, 2022]
British Columbia Ministry of Health. Clinical Guidance on COVID- 19 Vaccines for Persons with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Available at: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID-19_vaccine/IBD_Clinical_Guidance.pdf. [Accessed June 17th, 2022).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html [Accessed March 26, 2025).

What are 7 key Stelara side effects to watch out for?

Common side effects of Stelara include nasopharyngitis, infections, nausea, and injection site reactions. More serious but rare side effects of Stelara are severe allergic reactions, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and a potentially higher risk of cancer. Continue reading

What food should I avoid while on Stelara?

There are no known food interactions with Stelara (ustekinumab). However, potential interactions have not been fully studied, so consult your doctor about any necessary dietary adjustments. Stelara is a biologic medication that suppresses parts of the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. For this reason, food safety is critical. Continue reading

Who is the actress in the Stelara commercial?

The 2022 advertising campaign for Stelara, called “Move towards Relief” features an unknown actress because the campaign aimed to include authentic and diverse adults living with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to represent a real community. Continue reading

Stelara and the Covid Vaccine: What should I know?

Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine While Taking Stelara?

Never received a COVID-19 vaccine

Already completed initial COVID-19 vaccine series

Read next

What are 7 key Stelara side effects to watch out for?

What food should I avoid while on Stelara?

Who is the actress in the Stelara commercial?

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