Pnemucoccal Vaccine Before Chemotherapy? Would You Recommend?

[Howmuchisthefish]

Hello, I'm just wondering if anyone has any experiences with this and or recommendations? My dad should begin chemotherapy in 2-3 weeks... depending. We're still not sure because of the usual delays in the UK plus the corona virus. From what I read this vaccine is recommend at least minimum 2 weeks before commencing chemotherapy and ideally 4-6 weeks. I'm just wondering what are the benefits and or risks and if anyone has had this vaccine? He's never had this vaccine before and I would think this would be the ideal time for him to have it. This is his second time on chemotherapy first was about 2-3 years ago right after diagnosis with extensive metastatic prostate cancer. But all treatment has failed including numerous clinical trials so this is the next step unfortunately. I plan on posting his "introductory post" later on. I'm hoping I could get some good advice from you guys on this. Any replies will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[j-o-h-n]

'I plan on posting his "introductory post" later on.'

We're "patiently" waiting.... All info voluntary but it helps us help him and helps us too.

(you may want to post that info on your home page for your use and for other users reference purposes)

Thank you!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 07/10/2020 1:11 PM DST

[Howmuchisthefish in reply to j-o-h-n]

I'll make a post shortly. Thank you John.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Howmuchisthefish]

Depends on the scale(s)..... Thanks for your response..... keep posting here.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 07/12/2020 1:05 PM DST

[Aodh]

I had the pneumococcal vaccine, but it was about a year prior to my radiation treatment. I did have walking pneumonia about 6 months before receiving the vaccine. I had the vaccine and the flu shot at the same time, no issues.

Hugh

[Howmuchisthefish in reply to Aodh]

Thanks Hugh, that was my biggest worry that he would have problems with it. But like you state it does seem to be well tolerated.

[MateoBeach]

I believe it would be a good idea for him to get the vaccine, and yes a few weeks before chemo if possible. In addition to affording specific immune protection from pneumococcus there will also be some non-specific activation of the immune system that might be able to strengthen an immune response to cancer cell antigens released from the chemo. Same applies to radiation therapy. I recently had the "new" shingles vaccine (Shingrix) when I was undergoing RT for pelvic LN mets with the same consideration. I believe the reason for doing it earlier with chemo would be so that it does not correspond to any neutropenia caused by the chemo.

[Howmuchisthefish in reply to MateoBeach]

He just had it Friday. I was concerned with the side effects and or any negative effects on possible treatment but apparently its a similar risk to a flu vaccine? Which hes had before and hopefully I can arrange one for him this September as soon as they are available. I did not know that about the immune response, that's quite interesting. Hopefully it will help a bit and protect him as well. I'm just wondering would you recommend any other vaccines besides the flu shot down the line? Thank you for response and sharing that. Greatly appreciated!