[Restlessrebel]

Flu Shot yes or no???

by Restlessrebel on Fri Dec 28, 2012 2:10 am

I have been diagnosed with MGUS about 5 months ago. My oncologist is using my Lambda Free Light Chain levels as my marker since they have been increasing steadily, currently at 734. I have had an upper respiratory infection at least once a month for the last 18 month's. My oncologist suggested that I get a flu shot. I am not sure if I will be doing more harm than good since my immune system does not seem to be fighting off anything, Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you.

Robin

[Multibilly]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by Multibilly on Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:44 pm

This is an interesting question that consumes me since I want to travel to some South American jungles next summer (and therefore get some additional vaccines). I'm getting the feeling that it is OK to get various vaccines (including live vaccines) if one is diagnosed as MGUS or Smoldering multiple myeloma. But if one is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma and or about do to a SCT or recovering from an SCT, it sounds like a bad idea to get a vaccine, especially a live vaccine.

[Multibilly]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by Multibilly on Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:08 pm

BTW, I had a flu shot in the fall just before I realized that I was dealing with some "still to determined" stage of multiple myeloma. No problem for me and I didn't come down with flu this year.. I have had flu shots for many years and haven't suffered from the nasty flu symptoms that I dealt with when I was a child/teenager. I also read about various conspiracy theories regarding vaccines, but I must say that in the case of the flu vaccine, I personally like not having to suffer from it. Do I wonder if all the vaccines that I have taken may have contributed to me having multiple myeloma? Sure. But, I also wonder if my yet-to-be unearthed cytogenetics or other things may have caused me to have this nasty disease.

[torimooney]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by torimooney on Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:46 pm

My well respected multiple myeloma specialist told me as long as it isnt live, it is ok to get innoculations.

[lys2012]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by lys2012 on Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:57 pm

I am a few years post transplant. This fall I got the pneumonia vaccine, the flu shot, and the first two doses of the Twinrix. My specialist recomends all multiple myeloma patients get the flu shot since we are greater risk for developping furthur complications from the flu due to lowered immunity. I was also told to avoid "live" vaccines.

[Restlessrebel]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by Restlessrebel on Sat Jan 12, 2013 12:57 am

Thank you all for your replies. I will get one.

Sincerely,
Robin

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Flu Shot yes or no???

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sat Jan 12, 2013 5:47 pm

Dear Robin,

I fully support what the others have told you. It would be advisable to get a flu vaccine. With MGUS, the issue of live vs. dead virus vaccine is probably not as relevant. For those with myeloma (especially those actively undergoing treatment), a non-live flu vaccine should be given every year. Additionally, for those with myeloma, a pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccination is advisable with boosters given once every 5 years.

Realize that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective. This year, the CDC estimates that it is ~62% effective (no vaccination is 0% effective). As such, if you get flu symptoms, get checked out right away, because you still could have the flu!

Take care!

Pete V.