Advice re: Flu Vaccination and chemotherapy/Avastin

[Doughnut21]

Hello, has anyone had the Flu vaccination since coming off chemotherapy? I finished chemo 7 weeks ago, but I'm still having Avastin/(Bevacizumab), every 3 weeks, but i'm worried about having the Flu vaccine, (as I've avoided having any vaccinations for 27 years, since I was diagnosed with M.E/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as I have a lot of other symptoms. Also, i've heard some people have had adverse reactions to flu vaccines. I wondered what others experiences of Flu Vaccinations? (especially after finishing chemo - whilst still on Avastin?) Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Broader]

I was on Avastin this time last year and I’m sure my oncologist said I shouldn’t have the flu jab ???? But I would check first.

I’m a non Vaxer too, I’ve never really had a days illness all my life till this hit me like a steam train 😳

Just shows you never know what’s around the corner eh !

Take care

Christine x

[Lyndy]

I had the flu jab about 8 weeks after chemo and was fine but I would check about Avastin and your other issues xx

[ellseybellsey]

I am on chemo at the moment but had my flu vaccine 4 weeks ago, I had no side effects.Ellsey xx

[LesleyGB]

Hi! I've not had the flu jab yet. I have finished chemo and am on Avastin. My oncologist said it's okay to have the jab a few weeks after chemo but it mustn't be the live vaccine.

I must make an appointment!

Xx

[SASSY196]

I'm on Avastin now and was told to have it, but check with your oncologist. I had an achy arm.

[Naimish]

My wife has had the H1N1 as well as Pneumonia vaccinations just days before her Avastin and post chemo. No adverse reactions BUT it may vary person to person. I can only talk of her experience and not to be taken as any sort of advice. Stay safe Stay healthy.

[Erinna72]

Hi,I would check with your doctor first - mine said go ahead and he also told me to to do the covid-19 vaccination when it is available. Everyone is different though so I believe in always checking.

[W6W3]

Good morning, I had my flu jab last year while on Bev and was ok but check with your oncologist about your concerns . X

[Mumsie13]

I had flu vaccine while on chemo. Was told it was ok about 2/3 weeks after infusion as long as not live vaccine. No side effects other than a slight aching arm. Can't say anything about Avastin as haven't been on it. So would definitely gets Onc's advice. Jackie

[SUE7777]

Hi Doughnut, I had the flu jab and I'm on Avastin, I was fine apart from slightly sore arm but I don't have your ME so best run it past your team. Sue xx

[bamboo89]

I had my flu jab towards the end of September, 7 weeks after chemo finished and just before I started Niraparib. I'd check with my oncologist if its okay to have it while on avastin though...

None of the flu vaccines given to adults is live, only the one for young children in the form of a nasal spray contains live material. Back in the day, live vaccines were given and people were often unwell after those. Which vaccine you'll be given is down to age - if you're over 65, you'll be given the Trivalent vaccine, which has an adjuvant added to make it more effective because people over that age have immune systems that don't work so well. Younger age groups have a choice of two, see here for details of all 4 flu vaccines available this year vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/inactiva.... The Trivalent one is more likely to cause a sore arm for a couple of days, but I had my jab and apart from feeling the actual injection at the time, I never noticed anything at all, not even a sore arm, forgot about it by the next day, but I had the quadrivalent QiVc rather than the Trivalent, despite my age, though its likely to be less effective for me. My choice, I didn't fancy the extra egg material in the Trivalent cos I sometimes react to eggs. If you have no problem with eggs in terms of intolerance or allergy, and you're 65 or over, the Trivalent will be better at preventing flu infection.

I will just add, though I fully understand your reluctance, if ever there was a year to risk having a flu vaccination, this is the one, because of Covid... you really don't want to catch flu and Covid at the same time

Miriam

[Fahoona]

Hi. I finished taxol/carbo in July and have been on Avastin every 3 weeks since then. I had my flu jab with no side effects on the same day as one of the Avastin infusions. Hope this helps. Fiona

[Realistic]

Well if it helps lve had mine and didn't have any problems. Take care & hugs xxx

[Doughnut21]

Thanks very much for letting me know of your experiences....you've been very helpful. I think i'll speak to my oncologist doctor on Monday and if he says ok, then i'll go ahead and book the Flu vaccination. Take care and stay safe everyone! x

[Gemmyw in reply to Doughnut21]

I've had the flu jab during weekly Taxol combined with Avastin. As others have mentioned, there is a non-live version that can be given. I had mine free on the NHS with Boots and the pre-appointment questionnaire dealt with immuno suppression and flagged up that the non-live version was to be given so that is what they had ready for my appointment.

[Nadie2018]

Hi. No worries in taking Flu vaccine, even if immunosuppressed. It is not a live vaccine and it’s important for protection. I had it with no untoward effects. Good luck.

[tisha10]

i had flu vaccine while on Avastin and no problems. x