CLL and pneumonia jabs

[Poohey]

Am I right in thinking that there is a different pneumonia jab for CLL patients? I seem to remember reading that there is a preferential two part one. My husband last had his jab about six years ago. Am I right that most healthy people wouldn't have another but that it's different for those with CLL?

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Poohey, the following link is to the article in Pinned Posts with all the information gathered and presented by PaulaS for us to keep us up-to-date in all vaccines.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo......

[GMa27]

Pneumonia shot is not different for CLL patients. But when it's administered is. Average 65+ gets one shot then second a year later. CLL or immune compromised gets them 8 weeks apart.

There is a different shingles shot. Maybe you were thinking of that? 💕

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

There are two pneumonia shots - Prevnar 13 (a one time vaccination) and Pneumovax 23. If never vaccinated with either, or if it's been over a year since getting Pneumovax 23, your husband should get the Prevnar 13 first, then the Pneumovax 23 at least 8 weeks later. That would be the case for him.

If someone had the Pneumovax 23 recently, the Prevnar 13 should be given a year later.

The CDC suggests, for immune compromised patients, both shots ASAP regardless of age. If the first Pneumovax 23 is given under age 65, it should be repeated 5 years later, and if the patient was still under 65 for the second shot, again when past 65, and five years after the last shot - 2 or 3 shots total depending on when someone turns 65.

Not all doctors agree exactly with that CDC recommendation. Mine, and others, want the Pneumovax 23 repeated every 5 years.

I hope that is clear as mud. I have spent a lot of time, over the years, trying to interpret the CDC recommendation, as the wording, over the years, has been somewhat convoluted. And the assumption is that patients would be over 65 by the time that they needed a third shot. I like my doctor's approach. Much more straight forward.

The new Shingrex shot is a two part vaccine. Again there is some disagreement among doctors. Many want patients to get it now. Mine does, but I'm having trouble finding it. Others still think that it's too new and want their patients to wait.

Hope this helps, at least as far as what to ask about.