FLU SHOT

[lacroixx1]

I need to ask which flu shot do we get if we have CLL ? I got one yesterday but I neglected to study the type flu shot we get The Nurse said since I am over 65 I should get the better one I did ...but with some reservations today I fell all congested and head feels like a balloon

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Over 65 have the Fluad vaccine which is recommended as the better for such age. It is not live. Only the nasal spray given to children is and this we need to avoid.

I started a cold today but my flu jab is not until Saturday!!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

lacroixx1, in US over 65's gets the High Dose, which is not live, but can give some side effects as you are describing and it may take a few days for that to wear off. I'd suggest you drink a lot of fluids and watch your temperature--if it gets 100+ check with your Dr. Just take it easy for a few days.

I had my first reaction to the High Dose last year and it was about a week of feeling blah.

[Tommays56]

Hi La

I always get a few days of Flu like symptoms even before CLL

While not as bad as a full blown Flu it is always a concern when I get sick as it generally last a long time

[Zia2]

I get the high dose per CLL doc each October and I’m 58 years young :). No side effects at all. I’m in the US

[country76]

We received a regular dose. The nurse said it covers 4 strains as the over 65 covers 3. That sounds kinda dumb huh?? She also said the oncologists are recommending it. I didn't ask my oncologist. I think oncology should give the flu shot they want us to have since it is always an issue.

[jennyanydot]

I’m also over 65, been on w&w for 15 years, and always get the strongest flu shot. Don’t worry. Killed virus should not be a problem.

[Peacekeeper]

Well I get both the over 65 one and the paid for one ie the 4 virus one. Just had a brush with influenza A 2 weeks ago and though it belted my platelets a bit got through ok with low level pneumonia as well.

Caught it within 2 days of symptoms so had 7 days hospital and 5 days tamaflu. All ok now a tad tired but doc says expect that.

I feel injection helped as wife got it as well and shook it off without hospital.

Oh I got 2 shots as I had read previously that we have a reduced reaction to innoculations so I doubled up.

[Chemtrails-USA in reply to Peacekeeper]

Did you get them both at the same time?

Thanks.

- Bobby

[Peacekeeper in reply to Chemtrails-USA]

No 3 weeks apart

[CaptRon1976]

I have been getting both the senior strength triple strain version and the quad strain regular flu shot 3 months later for the last few years. Dr. Lamanna recommends both.

In the US, Medicare covers one and I pay for the other.

Cheap insurance in my view.

[lexie in reply to CaptRon1976]

Are you W &W or in treatment? That seems like a good plan and I may do that this year. Just got my high dose senior.

[Zia2 in reply to CaptRon1976]

I’m going to ask about both now. Thank you

[CaptRon1976]

W/W

Same advice either case

[CaptRon1976]

What I do not know is whether getting the two different types close in time is better to “jolt” the antibody production or to get them 3 months apart to “float” me thru the long flu season

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to CaptRon1976]

With flu seasons tending to last longer, I'd see that as a good argument for a booster several months later, particularly if the vaccine has been updated to reflect changes in the dominant strains circulating. A few year ago, my healthy sister, who doesn't have CLL, developed pneumonia subsequent to the flu, despite having the flu vaccine 8 months earlier. A culture showed that the flu had mutated from the strain present in the vaccine, so she lost the protection from that earlier vaccination.

[CaptRon1976 in reply to AussieNeil]

Agree

It is my policy now.

Still wonder if getting tri valent and quad close together would super stimulate those IgG’s to produce. Meanwhile I’ll space them out although I don’t think vaccine manufacturers retool mid season

[Zia2 in reply to AussieNeil]

My gp doesn’t have the high dose yet. Wonder if I could get the “regular” 4 strain now and the high dose later? I usually only get the latter.

[Chemtrails-USA in reply to CaptRon1976]

Let us know if you get an answer from your most excellent Dr. Lamanna!

- Bobby

[mjve04]

I got the high dose shot this year in October (for seniors or those with immune deficiency)

I also ask my immunologist for and get a prescription for 90 days of Ranitidine morning and night starting the day I get the shot. That was on advise of Dr Terry Hamblin on the old CLL Topics site.

Last time I got the flu was 2 years ago the day after returning from a cruise.

[mjve04 in reply to mjve04]

PS - neither oncologist, immunologist, nor Family doctor had flu shots in stock. Got mine from Walgreens pharmacy.