Hi Linda, I'm not medical person, but just another person with cancer on here. I was told by my family doctor that I should have a flu shot at a point when I was in between treatments. My Immune system was also very low and my oncologist said no way because I couldn't handle yet another challenge at that point. I had nothing to counter the effects of the shot because my system was already fighting to bring my immunity back up to acceptable levels. I was glad I told my family doctor at the time, that I didn't feel up to being jabbed again so soon after having treatments. I didn't know that it was a good thing at that time, not to have the shot. I'm glad I mentioned it to my oncologist. Having said all of this, perhaps you should consult with your oncologist before having anything of that nature. In your case, it may be different. I was prepared to get the flu if that was what it would come to, rather than bring on a bunch of symptoms associated with the shot. (I didn't get the flu anyway, and besides which, I hate needles with a passion and at that point, I had had so many of them that I really didn't want another jab!)
I believe when we are receiving treatments and under the care of an oncologist, that person should oversee everything else that is going on with our overall health care. The drugs/treatments given to us are more familiar to oncologists because it is their specialty where our family doctors wouldn't have that in depth knowledge.
Hi there flu jab, I wrote a long post in answer to your initial post, but it didn't register on the main page. I notice it is on here though, however, you wouldn't have seen it unless I posted this new one to bring it up.
Hi Linda, some health centres only insist on vaccinating over 65s, my local health centre does, no one younger unless they have a serious illness that compromises their immune system. I can imagine that someone is being very strict in applying the rules here if you are under 65 and are in remission they don't see you as being in need of the jab. I would speak to the GP who would understand your need more given the state of your immune system or, as suggested, your oncologist. I've not started treatment yet and am under 65 so wouldn't normally qualify at my local health centre but as my haemotologist suggested I went to ask for one and they've agreed once they found out about my condition. Good luck, Bill..
