Flu jab

[Anastasia7410]

Good afternoon - I was wondering what the general consensus is about this - never had it before - but am I more at risk after chemo this year ?

[Hidden]

Hi Anastasia, I think it is a good idea to be protected from the dreadful flu. Although now they are saying that the strain around is not included in the present vaccine. I generally get it, whether on treatment or not. When on treatment I wait until my blood are picking up ie the third week and a few days before next infusion. Hope that helps

[Cropcrop]

I’ve had mine for the last 10 years as I worked for the NHS, I missed having it the year when I had just finished chemo on the advice of my oncology team. I’d speak to your team if I was you, they’ll advise you what’s best for you. Hope you’re recovering from the chemo and keeping as well as possible ❤️Xx Jane

[Caleda4]

Hi Anastasia,

I have never had a flu jab, but it is a personal thing for people. I know many people that do have them & always have done for various reasons. Obviously if you have a serious heart condition, chest complaints etc. then yes it is certainly necessary.

As far as having had chemo this year it would be advisable to check with your Oncologist as to whether this is advisable in your case.

Take care, Love Caledaxxx

[Caroles1]

Hi,

Your immune system will be more vulnerable and take time to recover.I view it as an extra protection package and have it anyway,it can't hurt can it?

Carole xx

[Purple-iris in reply to Caroles1]

Was told by the oncologist I saw last time that I could end up giving myself the flu from the injection so he put me off . Going to check again at my next appointment as there are posters all over the cancer centre promoting it !!

Love Kim x

[Caroles1]

IHi Kim,

I think there is a small chance which you have to take in to account,I would Definately ask.I had the jab last year,had no reaction and didn't have a cold or anything until now,so I am going to have mine next week xx

[Alifit]

Hi all,

I have been assured that as it is not a live vaccine that there should be no side effects apart from perhaps a sore arm for a couple of days. Given that we spend half the time as human pin cushions, I think this is a small price to pay for avoiding flu. I have met many people who have told me that they have had a couple of days off for flu - my guess is that they have just had a bad cold. Flu makes you really ill and can lay you up for a week plus. If you have a compromised immune system - which most people do when on chemo - I can see no good reason for putting yourself at risk.

Obviously ask your team first, but I wouldn’t now miss out on my flu jab.

Just to say that I read recently that the flu nasal spray that is given to children now is live, so chemo patients should avoid contact for two weeks, but I’m not sure of the source of this so would also ask the medical profession.

Best wishes to everyone, Ali x

[Chezp]

My team recommended I have it. I was 6 weeks post chemo So I did. I would ask your nurse

X🌻

[Lollie2016]

While the immune system is low , i would have a flu jab. Winter is steadily approaching and there will be loads of viruses lingering.... better to give your body all the help you can x

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi, We are just coming out of our winter here and this year was a bad one for the flu I do have the injection and I'm careful to keep away from anyone who has the flu . but this is not always easy, one year I ended up in the Quentin ward for 6 days,

I have it each year now and luckily got through this winter ok. do check with your team and see what they think,

I hope that help take care Lorraine xx

[Mommoo65]

I generally have the flu every 10 years. This is year 10 so I am considering the flu shot. I want to talk to my oncologist first tho

Even tho I am 20 months post chemo. I have always had a great immune system but know I'm getting older too so my risk is greater.

[Hidden]

Hi Anastasia. I asked my onc if I should have the flu jab. He said "wait until you're 70". So I did. The 1st year, the nurse who gave me the shot, recommended I have the pneumonia jab too, so I did. I elected to have them both in the same arm as I have a port in the other arm & didn't want to risk "upsetting the apple cart". I felt exceedingly unwell for 2 days. On the 3rd day I got up as if everything was totally normal. This year (I'm in Oz), I just had the flu jab, as you don't need the pneumonia jab every year (can't remember if it's recommended for every 5 years or 10 years). Again I was unwell for 2 days (But not nearly as badly as the previous year) and again on the 3rd day, it was as if nothing had happened.

It's a personal choice of course but if you're on chemo, it's probably a good idea to have some protection from the flu (we don't really know how effective it is), as flu can do nasty things to us when our immune system is compromised, or so I'm told.

Best wishes. Pauline.

[IrishMollyO]

Hi Anastasia

I have been getting a flu injection for a few years now as at a certain age you are considered high risk. Last year i was just beginning chemo when my GP offered me my usual vaccine but first he checked with my oncologist whose nurse unbelievably said no. I first of all talked to the national vaccine center who said that chemo patients most certainly should have the vaccine . It’s not a live vaccine so you can’t get the flu from it so for me it was a no brainer . As Suzuki advised make sure you get it on your third good week.

I was surprised to learn that not all health care workers get the flu injection which in some countries is compulsory for them . Last year while getting my chemo one of the nurses had really bad flu like symptoms and I was so happy I had my vaccine. My team had reluctantly agrred to let me have it ! This year I have already got and just as well as I may be facing treatment very soon.

There are also many anti vaccine theorists on the in internet and they have caused infectious diseases to start rising again so I will always go with advice from the National vaccine center. Hope this helps but it is your choice . Take care

XXX

[Solange]

I was four weeks post Chemo and had it with no ill affects whateve. Very glad it was ok to have it. Felt I just wouldn't be able to cope with flu and it's after affects!! Solange xx😊

[Jarvil]

Hi, what a good question. I had my 3 month check up and I asked my doctor exactly that question. He said yes, definitely. Although it might be worth checking with your doctor first

[Katmal-UK]

Hi I have had the flu jab every year since diagnosis. I would definitely recommend you have this and also ask about the 'one off' pneumonia one too. I also had that. xx Kathy xx

[Di16]

I have had the flu jab for several years now. When I had chemo, I asked the oncologist, & was advised to have it as usual. Di

[cah48]

I had my flu jab on Saturday, last year, the year before etc and have been on and off chemo for a full five years now. I would not feel comfortable without it. Australia had its worst flu outbreak, doubling the year before, this last winter and the UK usually follows suit. I'd get to my gp Anastasia asap. Warm regards Carole H 😊 x

[Anastasia7410]

Thankyou everyone for your replies - seems as though it makes sense to have the extra protection as most ladies it seems are recommended to go ahead but I will double check with my team - thanks again.

[grannylo]

Hi

Just had mine this morning, along with pre chemo bloods. Recommended by CNS to have it either 2 days before, or after chemo. Next chemo on Wed. Cycle 3 of 6.

Love Loraine. Xx🍁🍂🎃💞

[Emalou71]

I had mine today, and have chemo Thursday my oncologist was encouraging with having it, I've had it every year since initial diagnosis & apart from an achey heavy arm for a day or two it's been fine 😀

[Lizchips]

I've been getting a flu shot for years since my cancer. It helped me.