Hi
should we have the vaccine as 2 half dose shots 21 days apart,(recommended for cancer patients and immune system problems) or the full (normal) dose at one go? My GP surgery didn't know answer so didn't give it to me today !!!! Have emailed Oncologist but he is out of office today.
Any guidance much appreciated.
Thanks
Pennie.
Hi Pennie
I think it depends on the vaccine you have - there are 2 different 'brands' of vaccine available. I had the Pandemrix vaccine on Monday.
The patient information leaflet with the Pandemrix vaccine states:
"Adults and children - aged 10 years to 60 years.
You will be given a single [0.5ml] dose of the vaccine....
...Adults and children aged 10 years and over who have an impaired immune system.
YOu will be given two [0.5ml] doses of the vaccine. The doses will be given at least three weeks apart."
So I am returning in 3 weeks time for the second dose.
Hope that helps.
Janet
Hi Pennie, just returned from a visit to the consultant today. He recommends it as a single dose following discussion with the microbiologist. It would seem that although there is a slight reduction in our immune system it wouldn warrant a split dose. However he also recomended that family living in the same house should also be protected as we may not benefit 100% from the vaccine. The Drs also agreed with this, so all 3 of us are booked in.
Hope this helps
Wishing you all the best
Ali.
Hi
I have just had the vaccine at work - I work in the hospital where I am treated. As I am post BMT I thought it wise to get a letter from my haem. saying that I was able to have the vaccine.
The OH nurse who did the vaccine really hadn't a clue about anything, she couldn't even spell leukaemia or the names of the drugs that I am on! It was lucky that I had the letter.
I had one shot of the vaccine but will have to have another shot in 3 weeks. There is no 'half' shot, it is either one full shot or 2.
Will be interesting to see how I feel tomorrow.
Susan
