Immunocompromised and Active Virus Vaccine

[Prahran]

I’m currently on 6.5mg/day prednisolone for PMR. My 6 week old granddaughter has just received her first Rotavirus live vaccine. Is there any risk for me being around her and if so, how,long should I should I keep my distance?

[MrsNails]

Hi - l have written about Live Vaccines in Children - you’ll find it in FAQ - the risk is as they shed the cells from the vaccine that you may pick it up.

MrsN

[Prahran in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks MrsNails, found what I was looking for in one of the links you sent. :

RotavirusAlthough rotavirus vaccinees do shed viral antigen in their stool, there is no published evidence of harm to household contacts of vaccine recipients. Therefore, eligible close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals should receive rotavirus immunisation according to the national schedule. Where household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals receive rotavirus vaccine, careful hand washing should be used to minimize the risk of transmission of vaccine virus. This will include after handling faeces (e.g. after changing a nappy), and before food preparation or direct contact with the immunocompromised person (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2013).

[SnazzyD]

When we used to give them we used to tell parents that everyone should take special care when changing nappies and pay attention to washing hands for two weeks. Immunosuppressed people such as those on chemotherapy or on moderately and above immunosuppressant medications such as Methotrexate etc were advised that they should avoid changing nappies. The risk was considered small but if avoidable steer clear. nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

[Prahran in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for your reply. It answers my question 😄

[Nextoneplease]

Answers mine too, so thanks 😊x