Hi everyone I am wondering when I should have a pneumonia jab? Would it be the same time as flu vaccine? I am on watch and wait and have bee

[robertsw]

Hi everyone I am wondering when I should have a pneumonia jab? Would it be the same time as flu vaccine? I am on watch and wait and have been for 5 years. I have had flu vaccine each year but never pneumonia.

I am also going to try and not go back to work for as long as I can. Seeing management on Tuesday. I am currently furloughed and hope to be till the end if they will allow to Oct 31st when it ends.

For many I understand just wanted to get back out there for me I feel so much better and safer being at home. It would do me more harm for my well being and state of mind going back.

Does anyone else feel like that.

I have spoken to GP and she is in agreement at this time of unknown.

As winter comes we just don’t know what is going to be the outcome. I would rather see how it pans out from home than in a small confined office 😕

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi robertsw,

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There is an excellent Pinned Post on Vaccinations: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo... it covers both UK and USA recommendations.

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Key points: There are two pneumonia vaccinations- the Prevnar 13 (formerly used for pediatric only) is the most effective for us CLL patients and should be given first. The PPSV 23 vaccination should be given 60 days or more after.

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Many doctors want us to get flu and pneumonia jabs, but advise against having more than one vaccination at a time, in the event you have a strong adverse reaction. Although a mild reaction- swelling at the injection site and 24 hours of flu like malaise may be a positive sign that the vaccine did cause a beneficial "wake up" call to your immune system.

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For both UK and USA, obtaining the flu and the pneumonia vaccines at a local pharmacy is becoming more common, and in the USA it may have less "out of pocket" costs on Medicare.

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Len

[JigFettler Volunteer]

You definitely need the pneumonia jab! AND get the antibody response test for it after.(!) GP stuff.

As for work - its tough. Have you been able to talk through your circumstances?

As for winter - its possible the Flu will impact less in this Covid safe period. Also we will be going out and mixing less as the weather caves in. This could just lower risk. Fewer beach parties etc... Tricky to say.

You must do what you are comfy about. I am just wondering IF you have had the opportunity to talk through you concerns with an informed person? UK GPs generally are a good start. (Sorry I am not an authority on GPs elsewhere - but know many are wonderful GPs in other continents.)

You can also talk to CLL Support

cllsupport.org.uk/

and Leukaemia Care.

leukaemiacare.org.uk/

... and of course us - here on the Forum!!

coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

is a good site to monitor your local Covid activity - UK!

Best wishes, and do keep in touch.

Jig - also UK!

[SofiaDeo]

My pneumonia jab arm was very painful for a few days afterwards, unusual for me, so plan accordingly in case you are a sensitive.

[GMa27]

In USA if 65 and over you get Prevnar 13 first then year later Neumovax 23. I just got the 13 shot 2 days ago. Didn't hurt- took Aleve 3 hours before bedtime cuz I knew I would sleep on it. Slight feeling when I leaned on it.

If under 65 I forget the order of shots. Maybe different in UK.

But I never get 2 shots in one day. I get flu shot end of September to last thru flu season.

If I get 2 shots in one day then get side effects, I won't know which one bothered me.

💉💕

[Cheltman]

Hi

Whilst you are on W&W I would definitely have the pneumonia jab alongside the yearly flu jab. I was on W&W myself for 6 years and had the pneumonia jab 3 years ago after having 2 lots of pneumonia. Has no winter illnesses since👍 I’ve just started treatment so I’m not sure how the flu jab will for in with my treatment program. Good luck and I hope the W&W continues for you.

[LeoPa]

I'm of the same mindset. Don't mind being alone and social distancing at all. Quite the contrary. We are a minority 😊