Starting chemo next week, can I get a flu shot?

Tmh0921 · August 2019

I'm starting TC chemo on 9/4. Does anyone know if it's ok to get a Flu shot? I was thinking of getting one this weekend, along with my kids.

BAMR · August 2019

As a pharmacist, I would tell you to absolutely get a flu shot. It's not a live virus, so it's not a problem. Remember it takes 2 weeks to take effect so the sooner the better since chemo starts next week.

Tmh0921 · August 2019

Thank You!

I wanted to get one ASAP as it makes sense

MountainMia · August 2019

No no no! Don't get one unless your MO says it's okay. Check with the MO. I was specifically told not to get any immunizations without permission.

Beesie · August 2019

Ask your MO, but from this article, it appears that you are too close to the start of your chemo.

https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/vaccination-during-cancer-treatment.html

BAMR · August 2019

I totally disagree. You are not too close. You can call your MO but you are fine. Even if you were in the middle of chemo, I would bet your dr would tell you to get it. Occasionally, if you have a low WBC, they may ask you to wait.

TMH, please come back to let everyone know that your dr says it's ok.

BAMR · August 2019

https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/immune/helping/flu-shot

Tmh0921 · August 2019

I’ll call my MO tomorrow to validate and follow up here. I know they don’t want cancer patients doing the nasal mist due to the fact the virus in the vaccine isn’t dead, but I would think the injection would be ok. I will ask and post what she says.

At a minimum, my family will be vaccinated

Tmh0921 · August 2019

OK ladies, the verdict from my MO is yes, get the flu shot and get my kids and husband vaccinated as well.

She did say NOT to get the nasal spray vaccine, to get the injection (nasal spray has live virus). They encourage all of their chemo patients to get vaccinated, they just want us to avoid times where we may have low WBC. So getting it now is actually ideal.

If the vaccine had been available earlier, I would have gotten it earlier. However, it just became available (in stock) in our area this week.

Tracy

P.S. I appreciate all of the input, on both sides.

MountainMia · August 2019

Thanks for letting us know. I'm glad you checked with the doc.

Beesie · August 2019

Good! Glad you can get the shot. And good to have your MO's approval!

Spookiesmom · August 2019

I’m on ibrance MO gave.ok. Got it.

Tmh0921 · August 2019

I get flu shots every year, but just feel this year it's even moremportant to minimize risk of illness as much as possible during chemo

Starting chemo next week, can I get a flu shot?

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