Hi beautiful pink ladies! Just wondering if it is absolutely necessary to have a flu shot whilst undergoing chemo? My Oncologist mentioned that it might be a good idea but I am not really that keen. Does it make you feel worse? I have never had one before and my friends who have had them in the past seem to be sick all winter with colds and things. Any thoughts? Xx

I was never a fan of the flu shot but I had to fly from Cairns to Brisbane for chemo and so my oncologist insisted I have it. That was 3 years ago and I have had the shot every year since. I have never had any problems. The flu vaccine is actually a killed vaccine and as such you can't catch anything from it. Your friends catching colds would probably have caught them anyway. I used to think I had had the flu lots until I actually got it once. It is very different to a cold and much more debilitating. I was flat on my back in bed with aches all over and fevers for 3 weeks and it took longer than that to recover fully. Having said that, I actually had chemo twice due to a recurrence and the first time I didn't get the flu shot , or the flu. I guess I would base my decision on what the oncologist recommends and why. Also if you work with lots of people or are exposed to potentially sick people then I would definitely get it. It's a hard call, and one that people have debated about for years. Good luck with the decision and also the rest of your chemo Paula

I had a flu shot just before my chemo. It was actually my own idea. To be honest I was a bit annoyed that my oncologist didn't suggest it to me herself as it just seems like a no brainer to me. You are so vulnerable to infections while on chemo and if you can at least prevent the flu - which can be life threatening especially for those in a weakened state - why not do it. Particularly when we are heading into winter when the flu seems to be more prevalent. (I had my chemo over the winter months of 2012.) I had my shot about a week before chemo and my oncologist had no objection to me having it. I had absolutely no adverse reactions to it. I think the idea that you get a cold from it is a myth. Good luck with your chemo Gilly. I hope it goes as smoothly as possible. Janet :)

Hi Gilly I have never had flu shot either but my oncologist suggested that now due to our compromised immunity, it would be a benefit to get it....so, I will get my first flu shot this year & before every winter. Take care...Jen x

I am interested in this question as well, have had 1 chemo and chemo nurse recommended I get it, not sure what to do.

Flu shot anyone? | BCNA Online Network

LindaC
Member
12 years ago
I usually have the influenza vaccine as I work in a hospital and they really encourage all staff to have it. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 5/3/2014, so I was wondering what I should do this year.

I found this info:

The Australian immunisation handbook has updated its advice for people newly diagnosed with immunocompromising conditions who have not previously had an influenza vaccine. These people should receive two influenza vaccine doses in the first year. The free government-supplied influenza vaccine can be used for both doses. http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/646A3C58C505E83DCA257C6F007EAADD/$FILE/1401103_ImmunisationNews67_Feb2014_Web.pdf

Immunocompromising conditions – Persons who are immunocompromised, including those with HIV infection, malignancy or chronic steroid use, are at an increased risk from influenza (see 3.3,3 Vaccination of immunocompromised persons).^37,55 They may also have a reduced immune response to the vaccine, although influenza vaccination affords some protection.⁶³ Influenza vaccination is recommended annually in all oncology patients aged =6 months.

All immunocompromised persons, irrespective of age, who receive influenza vaccine for the first time, are recommended to receive 2 vaccine doses, at least 4 weeks apart, and 1 dose annually thereafter. http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/handbook10-4-7

As with all potential treatments it is best to consult your own treatment team for advice on what is appropriate for you.

When I have the flu shot my arm is a bit tender for a few days, but that is all. I have had real flu (not your common cold virus) once before I starting having the flu shot and it wasn't much fun.

Linda.
GillyM
Member
12 years ago
Oh no, I was halfway to the Doctor for my flu shot. Hmmmmm now I'm not sure again. I think I will wait until next month and discuss it with a few more people at chemo on Thursday. I will get the nurses opinions. They always seem to be super knowledgeable about these things :) Thank you Wendy! Stay healthy, Gil xx
WendyS
Member
12 years ago
Its interesting to hear different views about this..I actually asked my Oncologist about having one last week at my appt and she said I had to wait now til after chemo is completed before I had it. I only have 2 more to go now and she said to wait til at least 4 weeks after last chemo.

Wendy
WendyS
Member
12 years ago
Its interesting to hear different views about this..I actually asked my Oncologist about having one last week at my appt and she said I had to wait now til after chemo is completed before I had it. I only have 2 more to go now and she said to wait til at least 4 weeks after last chemo.

Wendy
WendyS
Member
12 years ago
Its interesting to hear different views about this..I actually asked my Oncologist about having one last week at my appt and she said I had to wait now til after chemo is completed before I had it. I only have 2 more to go now and she said to wait til at least 4 weeks after last chemo.

Wendy
SueVR
Member
12 years ago
Hi Gilly - My Oncologist insisted that my whole family had the Flu shot last year when I was having my chemo. My teenage sons were not impressed but got the jab. No one in my family had any flu problems last year for the first time in many years. They don't know it yet but I will be lining them up again this year (even if it did take 2 hours for the doctor to get my middle son's blood pressure up after he fainted last year).

I would definately recommend it - for your sake and that of your whole family. It is better than getting the flu and having even more problems.

Sue
fionaf
Member
12 years ago
I had my 1st flu shot ever the week after my first chemo in June last year, my sons and husband also had one just as a safe guard and oncologist thought it was a good idea as well. Worth a thought for peace of mind.
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
I have been getting the flu shot for years (pre BC) - you might get slight symptoms after but nothing much. I have not had the flu in all that time. Some people call a cold the flu, but another thing to consider is that the flu shot only covers certain flu's (the common ones) so you can still catch a flu not covered within the vaccine. I will be getting my flu shot soon. Its a great idea in my opinion.
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
I have been getting the flu shot for years (pre BC) - you might get slight symptoms after but nothing much. I have not had the flu in all that time. Some people call a cold the flu, but another thing to consider is that the flu shot only covers certain flu's (the common ones) so you can still catch a flu not covered within the vaccine. I will be getting my flu shot soon. Its a great idea in my opinion.
Celtie
Member
12 years ago
I am interested in this question as well, have had 1 chemo and chemo nurse recommended I get it, not sure what to do.