Vaccines
Commonly Recommended Vaccines During CLL Treatment
Cancer care teams often recommend inactivated or recombinant vaccines, which don’t contain a live virus. These include the following:
Prasad says that, depending on your age, vaccination history, and other risk factors, your oncologist may also recommend the following:
Which Vaccines Are Not Recommended During CLL Treatment?
Live vaccines (those that contain a weakened form of the virus) are not recommended for people with CLL. Swenson notes that live vaccines carry a small risk of causing the very infection they’re designed to prevent in someone with a weakened immune system.
Examples of live vaccines include the following:
- The older live shingles vaccine Zostavax
- The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
- The yellow fever vaccine
- The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), which also contains a weakened form of the virus, although the injectable flu shot is safe for people with CLL
When to Get Vaccinated
Ideally, you’ll receive any recommended vaccines before starting CLL treatment. Prasad recommends getting vaccinated two to four weeks before treatment begins.
Vaccines work by prompting your immune system to make protective antibodies that can recognize and fight a virus or bacteria before you encounter them in everyday life. During CLL treatment, your immune system may produce a weaker antibody response. This means the vaccine may not offer as much protection as it would in those who aren’t receiving CLL treatment, Graff says. Getting vaccinated before starting treatment gives your immune system the best chance to develop such protection.
If you’ve already started CLL treatment, don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity for vaccination. Ask your healthcare team about the best time to get vaccinated. The best timing for you often depends on a few factors, including the type of treatment you’re having.
Read the full article here
