Vaccinations and bloodwork

[FloridaGal2]

I have a checkup coming soon at MD Anderson and want to get my flu shot. Would the vaccination affect my bloodwork before my visit? I typically get sick with either the flu or covid vaccinations for a day or two.

[SofiaDeo]

Some people get transient lymphocyte rises after vaccination, IDK if you are one of these. I think just remembering to tell the docs your recent date of vaccination is all you need to do. Since lymphocyte *trends* are more important than a single transient rise, they will take that into consideration. Especially if you are in an "influenza hotspot", getting any benefit to prevent influenza is probably more important than a single elevated lymphocte reading.

[mbear in reply to SofiaDeo]

On that premise along with healthy lymphocytes increasing, would I be right in thinking cancerous cells would also increase?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to mbear]

Depends if you have IGHV mutated or unmutated CLL. Theory is that you are more likely to see a CLL driven lymphocyte count with unmutated IGHV.

Neil

[mbear in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for that very helpful. Will be putting this to my consultant in early Feb. Diagnosed in 2016 been on watch and wait since with steady increase but numbers have crept up over past 12mths. and felt there to be some connection to vaccines. I had and have retained immunity levels of 2.500 for up to 4mths after vaccines and been questioning do I need repeated vaccines?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to mbear]

Given you are maintaining antibody levels, I don't see any value in a standard booster. However, given you respond well to vaccinations, a bivalent booster should provide you with improved protection against the newer variants.

CLL cells aren't immortal. Any extra CLL cells that you may have gained from vaccinations will eventually die.

Neil

[mbear in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for that my thoughts entirely. Would prefer to check antibody levels and look into a bivalent booster. Never come across this, here in uk. I know I have normal cytogens. Does this mean I would be classed as unmutated? Sorry for pecking your head.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to mbear]

If you have your CLL diagnostic test results on hand, these immunophenotype flow cytometry test results should include a statement about whether your CD38 is positive or negative. CD38 negative collelates with around a 60% chance of being IGHV mutated. Also, the longer you remain in watch and wait, the greater the chance you are IGHV mutated. Unfortunately you aren't tested for your IGHV mutation status in the UK until you need treatment.

Neil

[mbear in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks Neil. Just checked report showing 25 % Pos. So guess not mutated.

[Vlaminck in reply to mbear]

Hey, I'm 20% positive on flow test but am mutated.

[FloridaGal2 in reply to AussieNeil]

13q deleted and mutated. ..didn't know anything about bivalent booster but do now!

[LeoPa]

It could. If you want to play it safe get the shot after your checkup.