Question about RSV vaccine

[Boy58]

I am W/W for 5 years. I do get IVIg every10 weeks for the last year. I am not sure when the best time to get my RSV vaccine in between the infusion time line. My blood work is stable except IgG

[cajunjeff]

Hello Boy58. I think this question is probably a question each person should ask their own doctor because cll is so heterogenous. The answer might be different depending upon each person’s characteristics.

That said, I read somewhere that people taking ivig and live vaccines should space out certain live vaccinations. Why just live vaccines? I dont know. I wouldnt think most people on ivig should be taking live vaccines anyway.

Intuitively, I would not think ivig would impact vaccine effectiveness, but I dont know. Maybe if one already has certain antibodies, they inhibit the vaccine?

An artificial intelligence (AI) response to the question suggests we are okay to take non live vaccines with ivig (I am glad to see AI suggests asking our doctors first, I assume that eventually AI will be replacing our doctors and destroying those doctors who resist )

Interaction between Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Vaccines

IVIG is a treatment used to boost the immune system in certain conditions. It can interact with vaccines in the following ways:

Reduced Vaccine Effectiveness:

IVIG can temporarily suppress the immune system, reducing the effectiveness of live virus vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella vaccines.

Delayed Vaccination:

Live virus vaccines should generally be delayed for several months after receiving IVIG to allow the immune system to recover and respond properly to the vaccine.

Increased Risk of Infection:

In rare cases, IVIG can increase the risk of infection with live virus vaccines. This is because IVIG contains antibodies that can neutralize the virus, but it may also suppress the immune system's ability to fight off the infection.

Specific Recommendations:

Discuss all planned vaccinations with your healthcare provider before receiving IVIG.

Inactivated vaccines (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal) can generally be administered safely while receiving IVIG.

Live virus vaccines may be delayed for several months after IVIG, depending on the specific vaccine and the dose received.

Some vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine, may not interact with IVIG and can be administered as planned.

Other Considerations:

IVIG can be used to treat vaccine-induced immune reactions.

In some cases, IVIG may be used to prepare the immune system for vaccination, such as in patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders.

Conclusion:

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before receiving IVIG and to discuss any planned vaccinations. IVIG can interact with vaccines and may affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of infection. By following the recommended guidelines, individuals receiving IVIG can ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations safely and effectively.

[Boy58 in reply to cajunjeff]

Thank you

[CycleWonder]

I’ve been waiting to get my RSV vaccine. Currently it’s seen as a one time vaccine and since I’m on treatment and IVIG, I want to wait until I’m post treatment and maybe my bone marrow will recover and I won’t need the IVIG.

I could still be waiting when my time has come. I had RSV 32 years ago.

[ncosto]

I have one question and one comment. If you are on W&W, why are you doing IvIg? And when I started treatment 10 weeks ago (Imbruvica), I was encouraged to get every vaccine available, including RSV. Oncology checked with infectious disease and immunology specialists and confirmed. I spaced COVID, Flu & RSV each one week apart. I had the other relevant one-time vaccines in the past.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Hi ncosto,

The need for IgG replacement therapy (e. g. IVIG), is primarily due to how CLL suppresses plasma cell production of immunoglobulins. While that can be temporarily impacted by treatment, most of us still need IgG replacement therapy after treatment if we needed it beforehand.

Neil

[msnik]

I think this topic was addressed in this recent program, now available on youtube: "Join CLL Society and Dr. William Werbel for an in-depth discussion on managing infection risks. We’ll explore respiratory and other significant infections, review essential infection control measures including reactivation of prior infections, discuss treatment options, vaccinations, and outline special precautions that are necessary to help protect those who are immunocompromised." youtube.com/watch?v=b0M6vHV...(Not working as expected?)

[Boy58 in reply to msnik]

Thank you