Vaccines - conjugate vs non conjugate - CLL Support

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Vaccines - conjugate vs non conjugate

shellsb profile image
6 Replies

My husband went for his pneumonia vaccines yesterday and he was given the 23 strain vaccine which I believe is non conjugate.

I know the advice is to have the conjugate vaccine (which my husband did ask for). Why is this? Are there any issues if he has had the non conjugate?

Thanks so much!

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shellsb profile image
shellsb
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6 Replies
Myrddin profile image
Myrddin

In the uk the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine is what GP will normally have in stock so would have to get the conjugate version in as a special request. The recommendation by the consultant from Southampton was to go for the conjugate. He felt that it gave the best chance of giving some protection, considering our damaged immune system, and it is what he gave to his patients. The message from Oxford was the jury is still out.

So in reality it may not make a lot of difference which one we have. I had the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine when diagnosed. Have agreement with GP to have the conjugate vaccine when I come up for renewal after 5 years. It is unlikely you will get the conjugate from the GP without making a request ahead of vaccination.

So you have to make a decision which way you want to go and then get your GP to agree if you decide on the conjugate.

Hopefully either will give some useful protection especially if it is given as early as possible after diagnoses.

shellsb profile image
shellsb

Thank you Myrddin - very helpful!

bkoffman profile image
bkoffmanCLL CURE Hero

Conjugate is more immunogenic. In other words, it tickles the immune system more so it is a better choice for us. It's likely all moot in our case, as our immune responses tend to be pretty pathetic, but this gives us the best chance of raising our antibody levels.

shellsb profile image
shellsb

Many thanks for your helpful answers. Does anyone know if you can have them both together, i.e the conjugate and the non conjugate?

Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero in reply toshellsb

PCV13 first and PPSV23 8 weeks later as I understand it... check with your CLL doctor for their recommendation...

Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

The CDC advisor group ACIP recommends both 13 and 23 for leukemia and lymphoma patients...

cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrht...

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