Flu vac while on chemo?

[Helen1]

Hi,

I am currently just started back on weekly chemo & am trying to decide whether or not to have the flu vac,my oncologist has suggested I have it on my week (Christmas week). I feel really healthy & am having virtually no side effects and am afraid to rock the boat by having it.

Anyone have an option?

Thanks

[bosue]

I was on three weekly chemo and was told to have the jab as near as possible to the next chemo, I had jab on a Monday and chemo on Wednesday and didnt have any ill effects. Love Sue

[AngelaAbell]

I was advised by my ocologist, GP and several other health care professionals to have the jab - so I did - and I didn't have any side effects at all. I did catch the national cold a few weeks later which was horrible for a few days, and a shock as I don't normaly 'do' colds, but as everyone around me was having an even more dire time with the cold I decided that it was just on of the those things and I did throw it off quickly so the immune system must be fighting back.

love Angela

[TinaWright]

I had both flu and neumonia jabs after my second chemo, would have had them before I started if I`d been adviced to do so. It was my cousin who was going through breast cancer at the same time as me ovarian who adviced me to have them. My GP was appalled no one had adviced me before the treatment started.

I had no side effects from either of the vacines and my nurse adviced me to have the flu one again this year so I have already done that and again not as much as a sniffle for doing so. You go girl! Its better to be save hun xx

[BusyLizzie]

As with all the ladies above, I had flu jab during chemo without an issue. The trick is to have it when your immunity is at its strongest as it is more effective that way. That is just before or after chemo. Somebody did make the interesting point though, that perhaps it is best not to have it between your bloods and chemo in case it alters the blood result. I did though...oops

Love Lizzie

X

[carrie]

I had jab just before chemo started, no ill effects and I have not even had a cold since November, although everyone else around me has!

Best wishes,

Carrie

[ChrisH]

I was told that the flu jab is not a "live" vaccine, so it doesn't matter when you have it. I was ALSO told it's best to have it just before a chemo, so I've not got the foggiest what is best! Typical eh!!!!

As I have finished chemo and at the fingers crossed stage I just went for it. No I'll effects at all, just a good sized bruise. I haven't so far picked up any colds (touch wood) despite hubby and daughter having right stinkers! So I figure some of the advice must be correct!

[Meryl]

I had my third annual flu jab again this year whilst on chemo. Apart from checking with the onc. it was OK the first year I've never bothered when in the chemo cycle I've had it and have had no problems whatsoever.

[spanishanna]

Prior to having cancer I always had flu injections as I am asthmatic. Once I started on chemo the answer was no, I couldn't have any more, until the year the swine flu hit and I was encouraged to have one. I have since had my flu injection every year.

As to the time, my Onc. says, it doesn't actually matter what period between your chemo you have it. No side effects at all for me, not even a sore arm.

Anna x

[Helen1]

Thanks ladies for the advice.

X