Pneumococcal vaccine

[Graham2222]

Hello all. I had the pneumococcal vaccine two or three years ago, then had FCR chemotherapy which finished in October 2018.

I’ve been invited for a second pneumococcal jab next week. My haematologist is aware. I thought I’d check to see if anyone else has done the same, and if there’s any reason I shouldn’t.

[GMa27]

In the USA you get Prevnar 13 then a year later Neumovax 23. Not sure which one you already had. Your timeline is off schedule. Best to discuss with your GP.

I just got my Prevnar 13 shot 4 weeks ago. No issues.

I finished FCR in Aug 2018 and doing well. How are you doing since ur treatment? 💕

[Graham2222 in reply to GMa27]

Thanks GMa27. I’m the UK. Normally, here, we have just the one inoculation and it lasts for life (or, more recently, the medical profession have said for at least ten years).

I have seen some advice to the effect that those with an immune deficiency, like us, should instead have two jabs a few years apart.

I presume that is intended to top up the defences.

I wasn’t sure if my having had chemotherapy in between made that even more advisable, or if there was some reason for not doing so.

I’m doing well since FCR, thank you. I’m still in remission with all blood counts within the normal ranges.

Glad to hear you are doing well too!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

I noticed you had a lung infection while on Ibrutinib, so you may be quite susceptible (most of us are) to any pneumonia/lung infection---and the flu season is upon us. Be sure you get that vaccine also.

The following information is in a Pinned Post by PaulaS, volunteer.

Please note the bold paragraph---it is most important that you have your pneumonia vaccines up-to-date.

2) TWO Pneumonia vaccines –

Prevnar 13 (PCV 13),

Pneumovax 23 (PPV 23 - also known as PPSV23).

Pneumovax 23 is given 2 mo or more later and will be repeated in several years (timing of followup may depend on your immunity, and/or insurance coverage in US)

Although “The Green Book” (official UK source for vaccination advice) recommends a gap of at least two months between these vaccs, some doctors prefer to wait longer.

Prevnar13 has only recently been put on the recommended list for CLL folk, and some GPs are not aware of this as it used to be only for infants. If you're offered a Pneumonia vaccination for the first time, make sure it is Prevnar 13 (PCV13).

If you’ve already had Pneumovax (without having had Prevnar), you can still have both the vaccinations BUT when they're given in this other order a longer gap is recommended, usually 12 months, between the vaccinations.

Note - Sadly many CLL folk get very little response to Pneumovax 23 (a polysaccharide vaccine) but most people have a better response to Prevnar (a conjugate vaccine).

[Graham2222]

Thank you cllady01. I did indeed have ibrutinib-induced fibrosis. I still have reduced lung capacity, but have finally lost the cough I had for fourteen months. And I attended a very good rehabilitation course that trains you to breathe differently, to make better use of the lung capacity you do have. I had my annual flu vaccine last week.

Thanks for the advice.