FLU SHOT QUESTION

[claretsauce]

Hi everybody. SO appreciate this site and everybody's input. I'm learning a lot. SO...I went to get a flu shot yesterday...I'm 2 years diagnosed in watch and wait and feel fine. The pharmacist was talking about the extra strong flu shot for seniors. I didn't know there were two different vaccines. Should I be getting this extra strong one? I'm 64 so I reckon I'm a senior But I don't know if there is any advantage or, more important, DIS advantage to it.

[Hidden]

did you read yeasterdays posts. a whole bunch on regular versus hi dose

[claretsauce in reply to Hidden]

OH! NO I was busy being driven insane at work. Thank you! I will!!!

[Panz]

Well, I missed yesterday’s posting on flu shots too, however, I have had CLL for 30+ years and have a very compromised immune system and the very year the extra strength vaccine appeared my doctor told me to get it and get it as soon as it was available not to wait until October. It has protected me completely. I have been on treatment for 17 years plus and I get IVIG every month. If I were you I would be getting the extra strength vaccine. This year my husband and I had absolutely no reaction....not even at the site of injection.

All the very best to you in your continued journey with CLL!

🙏☘️💕😍 Panz

[claretsauce in reply to Panz]

Luck to you, too. Thirty years....you are doing something right!!!

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hiya!

In the UK - Senior is over 65! We wont get the over 65yrs vaccine till we reach that age. I tried it - after discussion with a virologist.

I am not sure if there is data offering evidence that with CLL we are better off having one or another formulation.

Good luck

Jig

[claretsauce]

Thank you!!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Claretsauce, Ask your Cll Dr. The over 65+ vaccine is said to be for immune compromised also, but double check that with your Dr.

Here is the CDC's explanation: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/qa_fluz...

[lexie]

In the US you can get the stronger senior dose even if under 65 if you have CLL.

I got mine late September and did have a sore arm for 2 days. In previous years I had no reactive soreness. I am glad to have some response which indicates my immune system still works to a degree.

I was in a moderately moving line which extended outside and around the building for 45 minutes. It was like lining up for a rock concert. Very encouraging to see hundreds turn out to get the flu shot at this clinic, herd immunity and all.

I could have gone to a pharmacy but wanted this shot on my medical record at the clinic where I am regularly seen. In addition, in 2015 while I waited for retesting and conformation of leukemia diagnosis I went to the pharmacy for the shingles shot as my now ex-doctor recommended. The pharmacist gave me bad guidance after I explained my potential leukemia and I got the live shingles shot a week before diagnosis. I hesitate to use the pharmacy for vaccines anymore since I don't trust their judgment.