Flu shot 2019

When do you believe is the best time to get a flu shot? I keep reading by the end of October. Team sent me a message in September, and I was told it was too early.

[AndrewT]

Now it IS October GET YOUR FLU JAB! That 'goes' for everyone else too.

AndrewT

[Hidden in reply to AndrewT]

Thanks Andrew.

[AndrewT in reply to Hidden]

I had mine Today Saturday 12 along with, seemingly anyway, Most of Clacton...

Anyway 'Done' now, for another year.

AndrewT

[Hidden in reply to AndrewT]

Clacton??

[AndrewT in reply to Hidden]

Yes, why NOT, it's where I LIVE Ok?

[Hidden in reply to AndrewT]

I am so sorry AndrewT, forgive me. I didn't understand what you meant. I think people on here are from the UK? I don't know. So sorry.

[aben]

I got mine in August because my transplant nephrologist wanted me to get it as soon as it was available, and I'm glad I did. We're already starting to see some cases of the flu here and it takes a few weeks after you get the shot for your body to build up immunity.

[Gardner-NY in reply to aben]

Hi aben, my spouse received his transplant 10 months ago and since mid Aug. his white count has been going down and 9/21 it plummeted to .51 . Tomorrow we return to transplant dr. to see if 'another' shot of neupogen (?) med for low wbc is needed and when to get the flu shot, and if we can go on a short vacation next week 4 hrs away. OR, will spouse need to stay indoors because wearing a mask is not good enough (so much stuff in the air). I wonder what they will say. I got my flu shot 2 wks ago, sooner than usual due to my spouse' situation. I hope the low WBC does not take 7.5 months to go up. Took that amount of time for his hemoglobin to go up from being stuck at 7.4 since February. Take care of yourself!

[aben in reply to Gardner-NY]

I had to do Neupogen injections to treat low WBC count as well (one injection a day for three days in a row). The reason for the low count was due to medications though. They had me taking Bactrim (an antibiotic) and Valcyte (an anti viral) prophylacticly post transplant and the Bactrim was causing the low white blood cells. They discontinued both of those drugs and switched me to Mepron instead. It did take many months for my WBC to slowly go back up to normal levels. I hope they get these hiccups all sorted out for your spouse. Both of you be well!

[Gardner-NY in reply to aben]

HI aben, my spouse was on Bactrim and valcyte 6 mos and due to tests to see if a virus was there (not ) these were removed in late May. In August his wbc was going down some and the CMV test showed something slowly happening and by late Aug CMV was 16,500 and in time Cellcept removed and Valcyte given at 4X normal dose for 3 or more weeks (that is being lowered next week b/c CMV is now 30 yesterd). So yes meds play a role in wbc going down. Soon the Cellcept will be added b/c his dr is concerned due to my spouse had a low grade rejection of the kidney in late Feb (3 mos post transplant, but all fine since). Everyone's situation is different indeed. The transplant center does not have a support group nor is there one in my region in upper NY, so luckily I found this forum to write to and since early May using it I have learned 'everyone's journey' is different. It took 7.5 months of low hemoglobin to go up. STuck at 7.4 and now 9 to 13 the past 3 wks. I gave him retacrit since March for this problem and told to stop now. The 2nd shot of neupogen arrives tomorrow and the dose we were told is 3X a normal dose (same with 1st shot). Thanks for writing.

[Hidden in reply to aben]

Hi Aben, Thanks for your response. That is good you got it early. There are so many different views on this. Some say August is too early, but it is good you got it, since there are some cases of the flu in your area. I got mine last night.

[mhawk123]

I agree with all that it all depends on your status and location. My biggest concern is getting the influenza shot too early and not having the added protection when the last wave of disease hit. I plan on getting at the end of OCTOBER. The bigger question is which influenza shot will you be getting as some have additive elements like steroid and gentamicin. Good luck through this season.....

[Hidden in reply to mhawk123]

I got it, and I am very sick from it. It has no preservatives. I asked. Thanks so much! Stay well, and thanks for your response.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

My nephrologist says to get it as soon as it is available. You sure want to get it before you start hearing about cases of the flu in your area.

I got my transplant Oct 15, 1999. I had not gotten my flu shot prior to my transplant. A month after my transplant I wound up getting the flu and wound up in the hospital for a week. You don't want that to happen. Get it NOW!

[Hidden in reply to WYOAnne]

I got the shot last night, and I am very sick from it. Sorry about your stay in the hospital, that is terrible! My one friend who had a transplant never gets the shot. That is crazy. Stay well.

[chicago17]

I had mine last week end of Sept onwards realy hope this helps

[Hidden in reply to chicago17]

Thanks so much. I got it last night, and I am very sick from it. Never got sick from it before.

[chicago17]

Sorry to hear that I've had it every yr for the past 10 yrs had my transplant 10 month ago and I was a bit worried in case it made me I'll this time but I was great .

[Hidden in reply to chicago17]

chicago17 Glad you had it, and it didn't affect you.

[chicago17]

Thank you

[jtaver352]

As a pharmacist NDKD, I suggest getting it by the middle of October. There are always supply issues with the High dose senior(3 strains). Many doctors offices don’t have adequate supplies, check before making appt. . Remember , you can get a flu shot at most pharmacies for no cost.... versus paying for doctors visit.

[Hidden in reply to jtaver352]

Thanks, I went. Got very sick from it.

[Sparklyjo]

We have ours next Saturday

[Hidden in reply to Sparklyjo]

Best of luck

[Donaldson0007]

October or November each year for me.

[Hidden]

Thank you.

[morwebber4me]

I had mine October 3rd.

[Hidden]

Great

[jriegs131]

Now! My dialysis nurse started asking in beginning of October. I had to wait to get the okay from all my doctors, so I ended up getting it end of October.

[Hidden in reply to jriegs131]

Got mine in October. Thanks.