I'm having mine this afternoon - I was stunned when I got the call from my GP's Surgery yesterday, as I don't fall into the 'normal' pneumonia vaccine criteria, even more stunned when they said my appointment was today.
I'm 59, have never had any issues with my lungs, and don't smoke.
I've never had one before, so the only reason that I can think of is due to the fact that one of the most serious Covid-19 affects is pneumonia. If that's the case, then I am happy to take the vaccine.
Hi Kari,I had it a couple of years ago. I am older than you, but maybe because you’re classed as vulnerable. It’s a one off, not something you need every year.
Hope you are feeling better now.
Judy xx
Hi Judy
All's good thanks - I've been feeling a lot better since I started taking Vit B12 supplements daily a few weeks ago.
Hope you're keeping well.
🙂 Kari. xx
Hi,I would check with your haematologist as I was told not to have this vaccine as I am taking hydroxycarbamide. My GP offered this vaccine twice and both times I was advised not to have it by my care team at the hospital. There have been previous posts about this.
Hi, I've just checked, and it's fine to have pneumonia vaccine, while taking Hydroxycarbamide as it's not a live vaccine.
I would get third opinion if considering flu vaccine and already differing views .
Ask someone you really trust
I asked my specialist nurse, who then called me back after speaking with my consultant to confirm. And it's definitely OK to have it.
Hi last year when I went in for my flu jab, I was walking out the door when the person said you are also eligible for the pneumonia jab and I was given it. Same as you it came out of the blue and guess it was added as I was on the shielding list?
Yes had it a couple of years or so back, it lasts for a few years
I had it with my flu jab some years ago. I think if you are marked as having a compromised immune system then they sometimes offer it.
I had it last year with my flu jab as it’s now recommended. You only need it infrequently - I seem to remember 5 yearly?
One needs a booster 2 month after the first jab. Another one 5 years after and that’s all for the rest of your life.
How odd as I wasn’t asked to do a second
According to the NHS website you only need a booster (every five years) if you have problems with your spleen or kidneys:
nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...
Good to know
My wife had both courses of the viral pneumonia vaccine when first diagnosed with myelofibrosis three years ago. The first in France and the second a few weeks afterwards in Wales. I think she is due again in two years.
I had mine last year along with the flu jab. I checked beforehand with my hemo team and Blood Cancer UK and both said it was safe for hydroxy users as it is not a live virus. In the current environment, if someone offers me extra protection I take it with both hands!John (ET JAK2+)
I was offered it as soon as I was diagnosed with ET.
Had this vaccine last autumn at my GP practice, I was offered it together with the 'flu vaccine. I am 59 , like you, both offered as I am considered vulnerable.
I have mine done few months ago before our winter season. It's an one off vaccine, I am older than you be and glad I had that
Yes, I had mine at the same age. It is a one off vaccination given in the UK.
My haematologist told me that as I have JAK2 ET I should have the pneumoccocal vaccination every 5 years Nothing to do with Covid 19. Interestingly I also found out that I mustn't have the shingles vaccination! Also not to go near anyone with shingles or chickenpox whilst on hydroxicarbamide.
Had mine years ago on request and booster when I was diagnosed with ET in 2018. Better to be safe and so pleased I did it with this pandemic about!
Extreme reactions to vaccines
Has anyone had a Covid vaccine antibody test?
Has anyone received their vaccine yet based on their condition
Does anyone else feel like this? 
