Flu Jab?

[Penno90]

I was just wondering whether it would be worth getting the flu jab this winter as most medicines that help colds are not recommended for those with ITP?

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

Regarding the flu jab the best thing to do is speak to your specialist about it before doing anything at all. Each case is different and what might work or apply to one ITP sufferer will not necessarily be the same for another. As usual with anything ITP there is sadly no definite answer. Just a matter of talking things through with your specialist/haematologist before doing anything.

Just for the record my specialist advised me against having the flu jab and I have followed that advice over the 5 years that I have had ITP. But do talk things through with your specialist.

[Hellodave]

I've had differing advice on this matter. My current haematologist advised me not to have one, so I haven't. However, my wife and children have had them instead, which should at least help a little.

[Chris_S]

If you read the patient information leaflet on side effects that comes with the flu jab it actually says that the jab can temporarily lower platelets, so probably not advisable if counts are very low. I have found that if I get colds/virus anything that gives me a high temperature, my platelet count goes right down. So my haematologist has advised me to go with the flu jab. I have had it every year since being diagnosed (9 years ago) it hasnt done me any harm (no side effects) and I havent had the flu - so I will continue having it every year.

[GretaB]

My hema told me to get a flu shot every year, so I have and have had no ill effects. It's kind of strange though, when I asked him about the H1N1 shot during the big scare last year (or was it the year before) He told me in no uncertain terms, NO!

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

The general conclusion about the flu jab is to make sure that you talk your situation through in full with your specialist before doing anything. Each case is different and only you and your specialist is really qualified to make the call on whether or not you should have the flu jab. The same of course applies to any other jab that you may be contemplating at any time, for example any jabs you may require to have for travel purposes. Do not have any jabs before having a full discussion with your specialist !!!!

[andrea_41]

i have it every year and it does help , i have just also had pheumonia ,meningigis and both hep b and a jabs as splenectomy coming up in feb

[tip-3]

I was wondering the same thing so I emailed my hemo and asked. Also I am 60 and at the age for shingle shot too but am a bit hesitant on both ...... good question penno90