Pneumonia shots and Ibutinib treatment, should I get the shots?

[Tapps]

Are Pneumonia shots recommended for patients under treatment with Ibutinib?

[cajunjeff]

This is the type question your Cll doctor needs to answer for you as there are variables given how heterogenous Cll can be.

That said, I am on ibrutinib and as per my doctors recommendations I have had both pneumonia vaccines and shingrix vaccine. Today I had whooping cough vaccine because I have granddaughter arriving in the next few weeks.

As a very general rule, we should have most all vaccines for our age that are not live vaccines. And we should consult with our Cll doctor for any vaccine we take.

I knew by research the whooping cough vaccine was not a live vaccine and likely okay for me. But I emailed my doctor to be sure last week and got a next day return email from his nurse confirming I could take the vaccine.

[Tapps in reply to cajunjeff]

Thank you friend

[ClassyLady3]

Last year, My oncologist directed me to have both the pneumonia vaccine and both Shingrix vaccines while I was on watch and wait.

[annmcgowan]

Hi I have had the pneumonia vaccine since diagnosis 3 yearly as recommended by my first CLL specialist. My new specialist recommends it is done 5 yearly which I am a bit confused about. How often do others get their pneumonia jabs done?

As far as shingrix vaccine goes he did an antibody test which suggested I had enough immunity not to have this done.

I does look like it all depends on the doctor and the individual patient.

There doesn’t seem to be a rule of thumb for all.

This is an interesting question and I wonder what advice others are receiving on both vaccines?

Ann

[Jm954 Administrator]

For some guidance see this pinned post about vaccinations for CLL patients but, as always, check with your haematologist which are necessary for you

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo......

Jackie

[annmcgowan in reply to Jm954]

Thank you.

An

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Hi Tapps,

I too am on Ibrutinib, and my haematologist recommended that I keep up with vaccines, especially annual flu shots and Pneumonia vaccines.

It’s important to know there are two different types of Pneumonia vaccines, that work in very different ways. They are called Pneumovax 23 (PPV23) and Prevnar13 (PCV13).

If you’ve never had any Pneumonia vaccines before, make sure you have the Prevnar13 first. It is a one-off, no boosters required. At least 2 months after the Prevnar, you can have the Pneumovax. Booster Pneumovax shots are often recommended every few years, though doctors opinions vary on this. Always best to check with your haematologists, though not all them are up to date on the latest recommendations for vaccines, thinking that is our GP’s responsibility.

Shingrix (the non-live shingles vaccine) is recommended by many haematologists, but not all. It is new and some doctors are waiting for more data on it.

For more details and references see healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Paula

[WinJ3]

Hi Tapps, I took the Flu Shot, Pneumonia (Prevnar 13) , Tetanus shots and both Shingrix shots.

My hematologist blessed all of them.

Win

[Ellieoak]

Yes, but you may want to check with the CLL doctor before you go to your GP. Anna

[Zia2]

I just began Ibrutinib a month ago and before my first dose my CLL doc and I discussed the annual pneumonia/flu vaccines. I see her this week and we will address since I get them in Oct every year (in the states). (I'm not to take any med or vaccine w/o discussing w her).

[Tapps in reply to Zia2]

Thank you for your response. Just started Ibrutinib July 01, 2020

[onu1tadi2]

These vaccines deal with immune system and CLL and meds affect immune system. Gets complicated. My onc/hematologist says better not get flu vax. Should have taken it before starting treatment. Why not just take precautions as you do for Covid 19. I suggest try hard not to get a cold as it can turn into bronchitis which can turn into pneumonia. For first 40 years i had lots of bronchitis and pneumonia twice. Then decided to avoid getting fatigued and to rest and drink warm beverages at first symptoms of cold; I have never had pneumonia or bronchitis again. Am 75. No shots.