Low white blood count

[Hydrox]

Hello everyone, I am ET Jak2+. I have just had my 3 month call from my specialist nurse who says my white blood count is low at 3.6. My platelet count was 480. She has told me to not take my hydroxycarbamide for 3 days and to have another blood test in 3 weeks. I have been diagnosed and on hydroxy for 8 years, I am 72 years old. As my blood count is low and I am susceptible to infection, I asked if I could have the Covid vaccine, she said it is up to my GP. As I did not get my shielding letter from my gp for 3 months, I dont think I stand much chance. I would like some advice from you more knowledgeable people please.

[Chaz1]

My understanding from hubby's consultant is that MPN patients will have the Covid vaccine around the same time at the 70-75 year old age bracket. I know she said they'd put all their patients on the list for extremely vulnerable so we know he should get the call up. Therefore you will get called up either way because of your age. The only difference really is that under the extremely vulnerable category, adults in the same household will also have the vaccine at the same time. Which is very helpful for our family, he's 50, I'm 38. I potentially will be one of the last to receive the vaccine otherwise.Hope the break in meds bring your white count back up. Stay safe.

[Hydrox in reply to Chaz1]

Thank you for your reply, I thought that would be the case, I am going to call my gp tomorrow and check with her about vaccine to see how long that will be and like you say let's hope it is just a blip.

[hunter5582]

HU can certainly reduce your WBC as it interferes with all hematopoiesis. If the WBC does not come back up after you reduce the HU, then be sure to follow up with a MPN Specialist regarding what is going on.

The recommendation from the MPN Specialists is for all MPN patients to get the COVID vaccine ASAP. Since this is a messenger RNA vaccine (no live virus) we should all be at no different risk than anyone else (theoretically). The truth is that this has rolled out so quickly that the question about our risks are not completely clear. The only way we will find out is when some of us take the vaccine. I would rather risk the vaccine than risk COVID. I will get it as soon as it is available to me. It really is a personal choice for each of us.

Hope your WBCs come back up ASAP.

[Hydrox in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for your advice, I will certainly take it further if no improvement. I am ringi g gp tomorrow to try and get the covid vaccine earlier. Will let you know.