About a flu shot

[Gino21]

I was wondering if anyone on Ibrance and Letrozole ever got the flu shot while on it.

[Iwasborntodothis]

My oncologist said that my "herd" should get the shot to protect me and that he didn't necessarily recommend that I get it myself. My husband and my work associates obeyed and got their shots last year and I didn't get the flu.

Just one perspective - interested to see other responses.

[13plus in reply to Iwasborntodothis]

That's an interesting approach! I haven't heard that idea before.

[Teddielottie]

Just back home from my UK holiday and the first thing I did today was to book my free flu jab (on NHS) for 3/4 weeks time . This will be my 4th flu jab while on Ibrance / Letrozole, and encouraged by my medical team . I usually have the jab towards the end of my week off , when my wbc are rising again . I think it is best we protect ourselves , particularly in pandemic times ! Take care ! x

[Hidden in reply to Teddielottie]

I also got it on the 7th day of my off week.

[Hidden]

My oncologist definitely encourages me to get the flu shot and I got one this past Saturday.

[hdhonda]

Hi Gino,

My husband and I both got the flu shot as we do every year. I also got pneumonia shot. My husband is going to get one later. Next is going to be the new shingles shots. Blessings, Hannah

[Kdiet]

Getting on on 9/24 from my Onc.

[Tam-56]

I was advised to get a fu shot so I’m receiving my flu shot tomorrow.

[Kiera49]

Yes I had flu jab while on Ibrance and letrozole and apart from mild flu symptoms for a few days I was fine

[AvidBooklover]

7th day of my week off! Planning for that!

[Red1246]

Yes, I had it last year and had no issues and am taking both Rx’s. Make sure you have the flu shot the week you’re off ibrance. My oncologist requested that. There are usually two strengths and we need to have the stronger one.

All best,

Kathleen

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi

My husband and I usually have the flu jab each year. As I’m currently on a clinical study, I will check if it’s ok to have the flu jab when I next see my Onc on Thursday.

Jo xx

[Beryl71]

Yes, just been through that saga. Best to have during week off and book appt with gp. Don't go to the mass injections.

[Ski2sea in reply to Beryl71]

Hi there,

I had a flu shot years ago (before cancer dx) and I had a horrible reaction- a lump at injection site and what felt like the flu for two weeks ugh. I haven’t had a flu shot since. My onc. Suggested I get one none-the-less. Your comment about GP and mass injections got me thinking. My work is issuing them on Friday. Wondering if I should rethink that and go to GP in October.

Be well 🙂

Tara.

[mariootsi]

My onc says to get the flu shot after my next bloodwork to make sure that my cbc is recovering as my platelets and wbc are low after my 3 weeks on Ibrance.

[bloomingdalechic76]

I'm on Ibrance and Letrazole. Despite the typical (and generic) suggestions that I should get a flu shot every year, I don't. Please let me begin by saying that I'm not anti vaccines. In fact, I likely have more vaccines that 99% of people because I travel internationally to developing countries for work. But the 'flu' shot is based on what is perceived to be the most common strains, i.e. influenza A, influenza B, H1N1, etc. These strains are very dependent on what is prevalent in your locality. They do not capture everything. In a given year (in the US), the efficacy rate of a flu vaccine is between 40-60%. This information is readily available on the CDC website. Because I'm not the type to get respiratory type illnesses (colds, flus, etc even on Ibrance), I don't get the flu shot. It's just one more thing in my fragile body. It's just another perspective but it's worth looking into.

[Pachira in reply to bloomingdalechic76]

Have you seen the cases if the disappearing flu listed on the CDC site?

[PJBinMI]

Yes, yes, yes! Especially this year! I am a long timer-16 1/2 years with mbc, bone mets from the get go. The cancer center where I am treated used to give flu shots and my onc always recommended it. I've gotten a flu shot every year since they were first offered, and I get every other inoculation/vaccination available when they are due. I have been getting the flu shot at the pharmacy where I get my Rx meds and I asked the pharmacists there when to get it this year. One said Sept the other said Oct so I'll be getting it in another week or two. We gotta do everything we can to protect ourselves from illnesses that are avoidable!

[Lokio in reply to PJBinMI]

I'm impressed with all the years you have under your belt! Wishing you many, many more!

Best, Sue

[Gino21 in reply to PJBinMI]

Wow glad your doing so well after do many years. How long have you been on Ibrance?

[hopefulinadks in reply to PJBinMI]

I too have bone mets. Right now I am recovering from a broken femur. If I may ask, what have you been doing all of these years to combat the cancer in the bone? What meds have you been taking? I have only been on Fulvestrant until this point and Fenbendazole before this happened two weeks ago. Any information is appreciated. I have been trying to stay positive throughout this ordeal. A difficult task!

[morty87]

My oncolcogist has advised me to get it but to take it at the end of the week off of Ibrance.

[Beryl71 in reply to morty87]

Yep mine just said during week off, but I have been getting good blood results. I just had the normal gp letter at first and booked online but thought to check the circumstances. The receptionist said, it will be mayhem , don't come. After several phone calls they booked an appt with the nurse first thing in the morning at the end of my week off, when there shouldn't be anyone much there and I can go straight in. Otherwise I might have tried our small local pharmacy where you can make an appt. X

[Gmaoftriplets]

I have been on Ibrance and letrozole for 3 years and get.a flu shot every year, I am going in today for my pneumonia vaccine. I am also a type 1 diabetic so I need to be extra vigilant!

[CincinnatiExperience]

Hi All,

While my onc recommended the flu shot, they won't give it there. I am on Verzenio and Fulvestrant. I have had the annual shot/jab every year for the last few years. They gave it to me at the hospital where I used to volunteer. Well, they fired all volunteers over 60, so I am no longer eligible to get it there.

NEW PROBLEM! The hospital would give it to me in my gluteus (necessary after my bilateral m), but I cannot locate anyone else who will do that. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Anne

[SeattleMom]

Yes, two different years. Recommended by oncologist. No side effects whatsoever.

[Hokie]

Hi, I’ve gotten a flu shot every year even before my diagnosis in 2015. I also worked for a company , as a nurse, that sent us out to locations to give shots. What I did learn is that the best time to get your flu shot is in October because they usually last for about 6 months and it takes 2 weeks for your body’s immune system to build up. Now the 2 weeks is the time frame for folks with no medical problem. As with any medication, always check with your oncologist before changing or taking something as each of us has different issues. Take care

[Jhmeyer]

My understanding is that as long as your vaccine is not a "live" vaccine its OK to get them. I get the flu shot every year regardless of what therapy I'm currently on, including ibrance. Unfortunately, I am just starting infusion chemo with Taxol so I'll have to check on that.

[Kaylane123]

I have been on Letrozole only now for 2.5 years and have been advised by my Doctor to have flu needle each year which I have and all has been fine.