Cll and covid vaccine uk

[Suskime]

Could anyone shed any light about the covid vaccine that is now available in the UK in regards to CLL my dad who is 80 and has stage 4 lymphoma was diagnosed with CLL 2 years ago. He is on watch and wait. They have told him that he is eligible to get covid vaccine in 6 weeks. I am not sure if it is the right thing to do for him. Any info or advice greatly appreciated

[SofiaDeo]

I think your question/concerns should start with the docs. Since the UK literally just started vaccinating people, and is the first major country in the Western world to do so, no one has many experiences to share just yet. There are always Pros and Cons to any medical decision, and often there is no overwhelming evidence to make one choice over another. Its not like Mathematics or Physics where things may be very clear cut; medicine is an Art as well as a Science. I will offer the comment that since he is still on Watch and Wait, even though he is Stage 4, he is not as ill as he could be, otherwise he would need treatment, perhaps urgent treatment. I am a Stage 2 for my CLL and I need treatment. I needed treatment at Stage 1. Even at diagnosis with Stage 0, my genetics predicted a less favorable outcome & treatment was discussed. I was never put on Watch and Wait. I think the hardest part is for many of us over the age of 40, we grew up thinking any cancer is a quick killer. The concept of Watch and Wait either didn't exist or wasn't well known. And other diseases--who Watches and Waits? Other diseases get treatment, even if it's simple things like Eat Less Sodium or Must Follow Strict Diet or Take This Pill. If our coronary arteries are blocked, we are told to Do Something To Fix It. So we are extremely uncomfortable with the idea of Watch and Wait---since in many cancers, one wants to diagnose it as quickly as possible and start treatment. But we now know that some cancers grow so slowly, or don't advance, so treatment isn't recommended. It's a relatively new concept and we want to Do Something! I know it's extremely hard, but ask the docs, speak with your dad & understand his wishes, look to people sharing their experiences...and make a decision then, with the best information you have.

[Suskime in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you for your reply. You are absolutely right it is getting used to the idea that it's ok to wat h and wait and not have to do something. You have really helped me put things into perspective, it easy to lose it. Of course I will support whatever my father wishes and have him speak to his dr. Thank you again

[cajunjeff]

I would ask his doctor, but to me he is a perfect candidate for the vaccine. And by six weeks thousands, if not millions, of people could be vaccinated worldwide and any new side effects should be known.

They had a couple people with severe preexisting allergies have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, so they are telling people with bad allergies to hold off on vaccine until more is known.

I interpret "severe allergies" to mean those people who carry allergy pens with them, not people who get hayfever in the spring. And the two that did have the allergic reaction are doing well now.

I'm having my vaccine the first day I can have it and then I am going to my local bar I have not been to in 9 months, grab my favorite stool and kiss all my friends I see in there on the mouth.

Okay, maybe I wont go to the bar right away, but I am taking my vaccine asap.

👍

[Suskime in reply to cajunjeff]

Omg!! You really did make me laugh! I love that!!! True everything you said thank you 😊

[mrsjsmith in reply to cajunjeff]

Correct Jeff,

The news says both patients carry epipens. It is now being suggested that people with severe allergies don’t have the Pfizer vaccine at the moment.

You are supposed to wait until two weeks after the second vaccine and then hopefully you can kiss 😘 whoever you like.

Colette x

[Psmithuk in reply to mrsjsmith]

I don’t mean to put a damper on your hopes of kissing all and sundry 🤣, Colette, but I thought they couldn’t be sure whether vaccinated people could still carry the virus.Sorry!

Chrisx

[mrsjsmith in reply to Psmithuk]

Chris,As I understood from what was said on yesterday’s covid joe zoom ( though most goes straight over my head ) two weeks after the second vaccination should be safe. But obviously it is all new, as the flagging up of the allergies reaction appeared yesterday.

Colette

[Psmithuk in reply to mrsjsmith]

Ah, I didn’t get onto that talk, probably more up to date information, Thanks, Colette.the need to hold my grandchildren is overwhelming sometimes.Cx

[mrsjsmith in reply to Psmithuk]

There have been two now and very informative and available on YouTube.Colette

[Psmithuk in reply to mrsjsmith]

Thanks, will look for it.Cx

[Palmetto in reply to Psmithuk]

My understanding after reading all the information available is that while you may not become seriously ill with Covid you could still transmit.

[Palmetto in reply to cajunjeff]

I was say yes absolutely. Since he has not received treatments which could have wiped out his B cells which are needed to create the antibodies that vaccine induces, he should be a perfect candidate. If he had received treatments like Rituxan or Obinutuzimab (Gazyva) it could have greatly diminished his B cells or even deleted them .

[Suskime in reply to Palmetto]

Thank you this was my concern

[FairweatherSailor]

I am on W&W and fully intend to have the vaccine as soon as it is offered. Though at 69 I will have to wait for Group 4 to be called. Like Cajunjeff I shall be down our local pub like a shot as soon as I have had the required dosage and my two grown up daughters will have to get used getting a lot of hugs from me again ! If you have any doubts just ask the NHS consultant that your Dad sees. My NHS consultant at the Royal Marsden has been fantastic through all of this and has always been there to offer advice either by email or by telephone consultation. The NHS is wonderful and I am sure would respond to any request you make.

[Suskime in reply to FairweatherSailor]

Thank you. Yes definitely will.have him contact his dr.