Flu shots?

[Voxx66]

From what I understand, chemo patients are supposed to get them? I must admit I have never liked them but if that is what is recommended then I will do it. Are there any other vaccines I should ask about? I know I have had to get the hepatitis shot when working in food/bev industry. Wonder if that is also a good idea with these liver issues. I'll end up calling my doctor but I like to be forearmed with info first.

[mstults]

My oncologist office gives flu shots.

[raym]

Flu shots are recommended. The timing of the shot may be important in case you spike a fever for some reason. You would not want to do it immediately before a chemo session. Check with your chemo nurse or oncologist. For the Hepatitis shot, as far as I know they are one time deals.

For older patients, shingles and pneumonia vaccines are recommended for the general population, but check with your doctor on these. Reminds me, I should checkout the pneumonia shot as my spleen has left the building.

[Cb75]

Mine recommended the flu and pneumonia shot.

[Kathryn in MN]

I've gotten my flu shot at my oncology appointments for the last 4 years. Two of those years I got them the same day I got chemo - no big deal. Last week they said we should wait until my next appointment the end of this month. The shot only gives protection for a limited amount of time, and they want it to make it through the full flu season - so getting your shot around the first week of October is usually the goal, give or take a week or two either way.

[CRguy]

Hey Voxx66

The most salient point of concern, is whether or not YOUR own immune system is capable of even responding to a vaccination ... ?
--->>>>> A question for your own ONC / Hematologist based upon review of your blood work and your status with respect to your chemo cycles.
My Med ONC ( also Board Certified in Hematology / Immunology ) recc'd annual flu vaccines for chemo patients when blood values were normalized.

Certainly Hep, shingles and pneumonia vaccs are all worthy of consideration ... BUTT with respect to the above caveat !

Ask your ONC to assess YOUR risk with respect to any of the other vaccs ????

NOT at risk ...maybe wait until you are "stronger" ????? JMO.

While it may BE possible to vaccinate everyone with everything, it is seldom considered good practice, and certainly IS NOT in a potentially immunocompromised patient ... which we are...ON chemo

(( FYI : at appropriate times I have had Hep A/B, MANY influenza vaccs of all kinds, rabies vacc (don't ask ), and all the usual tetanus / diptheria / pertussis vaccines. Actually booked shingles vacc for next week. ))

[O Stoma Mia]

Hey Voxx66 The most salient point of concern, is whether or not YOUR own immune system is capable of even responding to a vaccination ... ?
-

Hi Voxx66 - The point made by CRguy is a very good one. You need to make sure that your immune system is totally up to snuff. When I was on chemo I went to see the immunology doctor about getting some booster shots to bring my immunizations up-to-date. He advised me against taking any kind of immunization based on live vaccine while on chemo, the reason being that if your immune system is dysfunctional at the time of immunization, the immunization could actually backfire and you could end up getting infected by the live virus in the vaccine (e.g., rabies, tetanus, flu, whatever). So I would strongly recommend that this issue be discussed with your doctor(s). You may have to wait several months after the last chemo before having one of these shots.

Another thing I learned is that not all flu shots are equal. The flu shots given in North America are no use in protecting against the type of flu found in Asia, and vice versa. You may have to take several types of flu shots if you are traveling abroad.

[Voxx66]

As of Tuesday's bloodwork my WBC count is still in normal range. A bit lower than two weeks earlier but he said it was looking good. I have no idea how long it will hold up of course. Suppose I should call tomorrow and see what they think. Thanks everyone for the good info and advice.

[horizon]

My oncologist wanted me to get one. He had me wait until the day before an infusion so that my immunity would be at its strongest.

[Ashlee H.]

My ONC has had me have one for the past four years. However, I can't remember if I was on chemo or not when I got them.
Ray - I too am without my spleen. I remember they give me some shots that I have to repeat every 5 years - but couldn't tell you what they were for.
Also, I got a mild case of Shingles in my mid 30's. As I got older, I saw how bad having Shingles could be - so because I wasn't at the appropriate age at 50 (my insurance wouldn't pay unless I was 65), I paid out of pocket to have the shot. I was told it wouldn't prevent Shingles, but if I did get it, it wouldn't be as severe.

[Voxx66]

I never had chicken pox so I think I can't get shingles or is that untrue?

[CRguy]

I never had chicken pox so I think I can't get shingles or is that untrue?

Would talk to your doc 'cos Zostavax info says : Anyone 60 years of age or older should get the shingles vaccine, regardless of whether they recall having had chickenpox or not. CDC reference FYI is HERE IF your status is different ...talk to your doc !

I was told it wouldn't prevent Shingles, but if I did get it, it wouldn't be as severe.

.....for the 60+ crowd .. yeah yeah .. so MAYBE I Am included in that group !!!!
> 60% reduction in chance of getting shingles and
> 60% reduction in severity if you do........

ANYONE had or seen someone with severe shingles ??????
......you would get the vaccine !

JMO, and of course the CDC !!!!!
Cheers all !

[weisssoccermom]

My onc's office and now my GP's office is always insistent that I had/have a flu shot....even when I was undergoing treatment. As for the pneumonia shot, I was able to get it way before age 60 (ditto that for the shingles shot as well) because of the big "C" on my forehead. Forget the fact that I wasn't in treatment at the time....once you have cancer, you're always treated a little differently. In this instance, I was glad for that big "C" as my colds always go to my chest and give me real problems. Since I've had the shot - no more issues....something I'm really thankful for. I just got the shingles shot last year....my insurance paid for it in full (very nice as it is pricey)......again recommended because of the big "C".

[Voxx66]

Well I am certainly not 60 yet ha so not sure about the shingles deal. I hope to see that age of course. Come to think of it, at this point I just want to see 50 but one step at a time right?

[jeanette57]

just came from oncologist and treatment today. he said I had to have the quad flu shot, not the 3 strain (most common) something the 4 strain flu shot. It is a new strain and deadly for chemo for me??. Hum? The walgreens is trying to get them asap. I will have to hunt down this 4 strain shot for 12 people in my family. great budget blower.