The risks associated with not having the flu jab are far higher than those associated with having it.

At worst if you have the jab you get some mild symptoms but flu can kill if you get the full blown version when your immune system is weak. Ideally you have the jab before you start chemo, but that isn't always possible.

A hard choice for your sister to make in some ways, but an easy one in others.

Best wishes
Dave

Hello MissBeets,

After reading your post I thought I might pop in and send you the information we have on Flu vaccine and cancer treatment and hopefully that will help to ease your worries a little? You can find the info by clicking here.

Please do come back and let us know how you and your sister are doing. We'll be thinking of you.

Best wishes,

Renata

Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi ABC

It makes sense to have it by the sounds of the link Renata sent to me.

Mich 

Well done!

Hope it goes ok for you.

x

Hello MissBeets,

Thank you for your enquiry about your sister having the flu vaccine.

Patients having cancer treatment are generally advised to have the flu vaccine.

Most vaccines are absorbed quickly and are considered effective after two weeks and fully by the third week.

Chemotherapy can affect and lower the immune system. When this happens, vaccines may be less effective because the body does not take them up as well. Probably the best thing to do is for her to discuss this with her specialist as they are familiar with her current medical condition. They can then advise on when it is best time to receive the flu vaccine. The broad medical advice is usually to have it just before you start your next chemotherapy course (as within a few days), as this is when your blood count is likely to be at its best.

We have information on the flu vaccine on our website at this link here.

I hope this reply has been useful. Please do get back to us if you have any more questions or call us on 0808 800 4040. We are here from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes,

Vanda

I have read this with interest I'm due for next chemotherapy on the 7th Dec but I was planning to have the flu  jab tomorrow wondering now if I should postpone until next week ? 

Hi Abc, 

I just saw your post and thought I would give you our cancer nurses' telephone number so you can give them a quick call about this tomorrow if your appointment isn't too early in the day. Their number is 0808 800 4040, which is free to call from a UK landline, and they're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

All the best, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator