Flu and other vaccines

[MarkD6701]

As I'll be entitled to get the flu vaccine due to being on Hydroxycarbamide I wondered what else is worth having? Is it worth getting the pneumonia one as well?

I don't want to go into winter catching all sorts of bugs with a lowered immune system.

[Twinkly]

Iv never had that vaccine ,I think I get enough alien toxics in my system without adding to it ,,eat and drink healthy ,stay away from junk food and I bet you stay strong and feel well ..drink lots of filtered water ,,wash the system ..that's just my view ,,twinkly. Xx

[Helen1952]

Have to say I'm inclined to agree with Twinkly .

The flu vaccine doesn't always cover the strain of flu going about in any case is what I've heard .

If you do decide to have it I think you have to make sure it's not the live one .

As for the pneumonia one you are offered it if you are at risk and I think it lasts 10 years .

Like Twinkly just my opinion xx

Helen x

[MarkD6701 in reply to Helen1952]

Hi Helen,

What's the issue with a live" vaccine?

Mark

[Helen1952 in reply to MarkD6701]

Hi Mark

As far as I know you shouldn't have the live vaccine if you are taking HU .

Helen

[piggie50]

Hi,

I have the flu vaccine every year. Never had the pneumonia one. Live vaccines are a problem if you are taking HU as your immune system is lowered. When my grandchildren have their live vaccines I have been advised by my specialist nurse not to change nappies for 2 weeks, and to wash hands etc if dealing with runny noses. I asked if I could do it wearing gloves, but she said spores from the nappy can be airborne so gloves would make no difference. She did however say that you can't wrap yourself in cotton wool and if it was my child, not my grandchild I would have to do and as I only take 500mg of HU my immune system is not too compromised.

Hopes this helps.

Judy x

[Paul42]

I have had both, pneumonia does last a few years, have the flu jab every year. Its more because of my asthma, have always had it.

I think if your offered it go for it.

[bordeauxgirl]

Hi Mark

I spoke to my doctor about the winter season jabs, I have PV and Jak2 pos. I had the flu jab last year but my 'Haemo' said don't have the shingles jab that was offered as our immune systems can't cope, so just inquire to the limit about what is safe for you before making any decisions.

[Stevesmum42]

How did you know that you should not have live vaccines? I was thinking of having a shingles jab . But have never been given info on the subject

Regards Sandy

[Helpatlast]

I have a flu jab each day and had the pneumonia one when first diagnosed with ET both were highly recommended by my consultants who are spot on with MPNs so probably best to check with your own - but I've never had any probs from the jabs and never got flu either since on it!!

[beetle]

I have flu jab every year and have had the pneumonia one too. I have had recurrent shingles so it's too late for that one! As I often have a very low white cell count and often verge on neutropenia it seemed a no-brainer for me to get the vaccine. I've never had a problem from the jabs either.

[millycat]

I have only had the flu vaccine once...never again , I was ill with a cough and cold and flu symptoms for 3 months.

[Little-friend-Susan]

I always have the flu jab each year, even before I was diagnosed with ET. I was called in for the shingles jab but one of the questions asked by the nurse before she gave it was ' do you have leukaemia or other bone marrow problems?' When I said yes she went away for advice, came back and said I couldn't have it as it is a live vaccine.

[KevinJH]

Hadn't heard of the pneumonia jab before but the 'flu jab ? Hope it works better this year than last as, guess, what..... yep - had the 'flu ! Doh ! :-\

[YogaLover]

I had the flu jab last year and oh boy was I ill - lasted for months and then started to feel really unwell and was diagnosed with ET - no more flu jabs for me.