Flu & Pneumonia vaccines

[dmtm2005]

Sorry for a repeat topic but wasn’t sure if anybody would see my questions in my reply to another flu related post.

I am 54 and I am booked in at my local Boots this Saturday for my annual flu jab , should I be asking for the ‘over 65’ due to my compromised immune system ?

Last year I had the PPV pneumonia vaccination, but have read on CLLSA that I probably should have had the PCV vaccination first , should I now get the PCV as it is now over a year since I had the PPV ?

As always your advice would be most appreciated.

Regards Dave

[Bubnojay]

I believe you should, but do discuss with the pharmacist and they will check the advice for immune compromised people for you.

As we are not medical people I think it would be good to discuss PCV with your GP who has access to the documents to check and who can arrange the vaccination.

Bubnjay1

[dmtm2005 in reply to Bubnojay]

Thank you Bubnjay1

[MGirl-Aust]

Hi Dave, regarding pneumococcal vaccine, the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that if you are immunocompromised due to malignancy, and have already had the PPV vaccine, you should have the PCV vaccine 12 months (or more) later - so yes you are correct. And then 2 further PPV doses 5 years and 10 years later. See details here:

immunisationhandbook.health...

As far as I’m aware the recommendations for influenza vaccination vary between countries, so I would also check with your pharmacist. I did look at the Australian recommendations and it’s quite confusing actually, hopefully the UK recommendations are clearer!

Michelle

[dmtm2005 in reply to MGirl-Aust]

Thank you Michelle

[MGirl-Aust in reply to dmtm2005]

Hi again Dave, I just noticed that in a recent post Jm954 provided a link to NHS information on influenza vaccine: nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

I also found this document, which lists the suitable brands of vaccine in the different age groups - a nice clear explanation: assets.publishing.service.g...

As you can see, there’s one vaccine suitable in both at-risk under-65s as well as those aged 65 and over.

If anyone from the UK has information to the contrary, please let us know!

[Mcdebbie]

Have you asked your G.P ? I think you should have the flu jab at your G.P practice rather than the pharmacy as they will have your history. I know at the moment with the shortages of vaccine they will only immunise certain groups over 65 etc, but you are in the “at risk” group and should be able to get it.

[dmtm2005 in reply to Mcdebbie]

Thank you

[AnneHill]

Hi, You are entitled to have the vaccine at your doctors if you have cll. It is best so they are aware you need it and your consultant would recommend that and the pneumonia jab.

As I found out, you will be entitled to the under 65 innoculation. Even though the other over 65 jab appears better it is only licenced for that age group. I enquired about a stronger innoculation that isnt available on the health service and was going to pay but again it is only licenced for over 65's.

When you contact your GP surgery, emphasise that you have cll and you are entitled to this jab even though you are under 60.

My surgery are doing the under 65 jabs mid Oct but try to book an appointment, Anne uk