FLU SHOT ?

[lacroixx1]

Is a FLU shot a bad idea with having CLL I am not sure If I ever asked this but I would like to know if anyone has had one and its ok > ?

[nanaseventimes]

My doctors recommended I get one Sept 1st.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

With CLL, it is a bad idea NOT to have the annual flu shot. Some even argue for two shots spaced apart to increase protection coverage time.

More here on flu and recommended other non-live vaccinations: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Note that you need to have a neutrophil count above 0.5 before you have the flu shot, so those who are very neutropenic should have a blood test to check that their neutrophil count is fine first.

Neil

[teakbank12 in reply to AussieNeil]

We had ours booked last week for late September.

Yesterday I asked if I could add the 5 yearly pneumonia jab as it's due.

Reception came back from the office having consulted one of the main GPs in the practice who said I shouldn't have been booked in for that flu jab as it's for over 65s only and I'm just under that!!!

So I asked can I have a non live younger persons jab to be told they didn't have any at present and have no idea when they are

Dave

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to teakbank12]

Dave, I'm sorry but you have been given the wrong advice about the flu jab from your surgery and you are eligible for the flu jab because of your CLL.

If I were in your situation I would book my flu jab with Boots - you don't need to pay as you are immunocompromised. Book it on line as soon as you can to get the most protection.

Here's the link: boots.com/vaccinations/flujab It also gives you the criteria for the free jab and both you and your wife qualify.

Jackie

[teakbank12 in reply to Jm954]

They only have the one for the over 65s and we're just under that.

At the time I'd just come out of my psychology session of pain management and this is what we have to go through every time.

Like when I mentioned about the pneumonia jab the receptionist is so fully qualified and the arse of a Dr who she asked runs the practice I do not like.

I have so much going on at the moment like a lot of us.

Having just seen finally the neurologist from last December he's changed my drugs slowly where I phase new ones in whilst the old one reduces.

Dermatologist last week informed me the two removals in the Spring were BCC's like I'd had previously and my fatigue gets ever worse.

I actually hit a wall were I cannot even follow the news on tv or a conversation and take myself off to bed for a rest.

The drugs I'm on make me drowsy at times too.

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to teakbank12]

Boots will give you the under 65 one if that's the one you need. I had it last year.

Sorry to hear about the pain, drowsyness and drugs, with all that to cope with I hope you can find another GP as, from what you say, this one doesn't appear to want to help much at all.

best wishes

Jackie

[AnneHill in reply to Jm954]

My husband had a reminder from the GP surgery to get his flu jab. He had it done last Saturday. The under 65's wont be available until October. The stronger flu jab is only licenced for over 65's. The chemist could have done it if I was older. I was going to pay for it. Its not available yet.

Im sure I have only had one pneumonia jab. I will ask my doctor about that. Anne xxx

[AnneHill in reply to teakbank12]

The first time I had the flu jab the nurse asked ' Why are you having this?' I replied ' because I have leukaemia'. I intended to shock because of the way she had spoken to me.

That is what you need to tell the receptionist. You have low immunity and are entitled. Works with getting appointments as well. Although I wait if its non urgent.

The under 65 jab isnt available yet. My surgery are doing over 65's at the moment.

I am so lucky with my GP surgery. A new building with all the surgeries in the town in their own sections. Very professional.

[teakbank12 in reply to AnneHill]

Anne

We have an all purpose fancy huge newish building with very few GPs available in it.

Occasionally consultants also come from hospitals that are all over twenty miles away but unfortunately non of my current ones do.

I try the I have Leukaemia Crohn's Skin Cancer Osteoarthritis and to top it up being seen by neurologist for Epilepsy.

Having to change all my neurologist drugs at present is really taking it out of me as I've not slept properly all week.

I've had bowel blockages as it says I'll get constipation with these new drugs I've had four days of agony before finally going to the loo early hours today having taken lots of Laxedo which works like bowel prep ready for a colonoscopy which I'm used to.

Sorry to rant but I'm at my wits end with the health professionals round here and there are no alternatives.

Dave

[AnneHill in reply to teakbank12]

Its no wonder you are at witts end. I had to change an epilepsy tablet

so I could take Ibrutinib and had to stop an anti inflammatory when I have arthritis. I have had constipation too. In the end I chopped prunes, flax seeds, dried apricot and walnuts into wholegrain cereals in different combinations. Seemed better but the flax seeds had to stop because of Ibrutinib. I have antibiotic co- trimoxazole 3 times a week and that gives me diarrhia.

You have so many problems. Im lucky that the surgery I go to is well staffed. I have a bad urine infection and the nurse told me they are getting 2 more GP's.

Its a shame you cant find a better GP. I hope your hospital are looking after you well. Anne uk

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Flu jabs are essential. And include anyone who lives in your home too.

Jig

[Hilomom]

Yes, I'm only 60 and got both my flu shot and my shingles ( finally, been on the waiting list for the shingles shot for months). I got my pneumonia shot about 6 weeks ago too.

[wmay13241]

My wife and I both get a high dose flu shot yearly on Halloween.

[AnneHill in reply to wmay13241]

My problem is its licenced for over 65's and Im 61. The nhs in uk pay for flu jabs but not the high dose. I was happy to pay but the age restriction stops me.