Topic: H1N1 vaccine

That's a really good question!  I've been so preoccupied with cancer that I haven't given it much thought, honestly!  If you care to elaborate, I'm interested in hearing why you're choosing not to have the vaccine.  Is there any "official" consensus on H1N1 specifically for breast cancer or other immune-compromised patients?  Maybe it depends on the stage of treatment since we may be more susceptible to the virus (or to the vaccine...?) during chemo and/or radiation? 

Thanks for asking this question - I'm curious about it now too!

I had the same thoughts running through my head. I just finished 35 treatments of radiation and will star 5'ish months of chemo in late September and thought wow I wonder if they'll recommend that vaccination for me when I see my onc in September .

I know I don't want to have the shot because every time I have gotten the influenza vaccine I seem to come down with strep the following winter. I don't know if it psychosomatic, but I just don't take the chance any more.

I am really interested to hear what you all have to say and what your docs are suggesting.

Thanks

This is a great topic.  I am not taking this vaccine either.  I had never had a flu shot in my life until 2004.  I was dxed in Nov 2004 and my onc gave me a flu shot on the spot!  I came down with flu like symptoms.  I'm not taking this vaccine because they have developed it too fast and I don't think it has been tested enough for safety.  I read that healthcare workers in Japan are not taking it.  Hmmmmm.  My son works in a hospital in infectious diseases and he and his co-workers are not taking the vaccine.  I remember the 1970's when the pharm companies developed a flu vaccine that was a disaster, killing some and leaving others paralyzed.  No thanks.

I have an appointment with my oncologist on September 9, 2009 and at that time I am going to ask about getting the regular flu shot that I get every year and also the new vaccine H1N1; if he advises against it then I will follow his advice.  He will probably tell me to ask that question of my medical oncologist who prescribed Arimidex instead of Tamoxifen.  I will let you know what he says.  Blessings.

This is a very good topic for a thread, particularly with our compromised immune systems during chemo and (guess what) it continues for awhile afterwards.

I can't get a flu shot...I turn bright pink top to toe and they told me never to get one.  I do have both my husband and daughter get them; hubby travels the world, daughter in a college dorm which is basically, like a petri dish.

I went all thru chemo without a flu shot during a flu epidemic raging all around me.  With neurotic use of purell and making the whole family use great hygience (and staying out of the dorms) I never caught so much as a cold.

I don't think I can get this vaccine, but am very concerned for my daughter.  It will depend on her college, as to the policy they have.  I don't think it has been tested enough either.  It is important to remember that millions of folks die every year from regular flu, but this one has not been shown to be particularly virulent so far.

I know echinachea, etc. are all useless they told me, and so is airborne.  But I was told that oregano oil, one drop daily under the tongue is actually effective, as is some cinnamon in ones' coffee.  However, I should think a lot of common sense and good hygiene will help us all. 

I will ask my onc this specifically when I go in two weeks.  he is usually up to speed on all this new stuff that is out there.  Good point about the travel!!! They have quarantined entire flights on arrival, particularly in the UK.  Hubby may have to get it.

I always get the flu shot, my whole family does and no one has had a reaction to it or even got flu like symptoms.  It may not completely protect you but if you do get the flu it may help with how bad it gets. 

I am also going to take the H1N1 shot when it is out, along with the rest of my family.  I dont want to risk that because Im in my 40's I MIGHT be ok.  I didn't take all this chemo and surgeries to stay alive and let some dang flu bug kill me.

teresa

I just spoke to my PCP today and she isn't taking the H1N1, but will give it to those that choose to have it.  I thought that was interesting.

I will be getting a regular flu shot this year, but I haven't decided on the H1N1 yet - won't decide until I consult with my doc.

I read today about a young man who died of swine flu. He was 26 and had started on an extremely strict diet 3 months ago. A person who is not properly nourished can't fight off a bad virus.

Leah

 I think the question is will it be made available to you, if you actually want it. Here is a press release from the CDC regarding the target groups for the "novel H1N1 vaccine" and the priority orderof population groups in case of a shortage.

Unless breast cancer puts us into the group of "people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems" I don't think we will be offered it initially, much less badgered to take it. Do note that if you are a caregiver to a child younger than 6 months or a health/emergency care worker with direct patient contact, then you are in a target/priority group.

http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090729b.htm

Julie E

Jelson:  Those of us on active tx will be in the group to qualify for the vaccines.  Those who are done with tx may not qualify.  I guess you would have to ask your physician.  I am stage IV and on chemo every week so I would certainly be in the group of people who qualify for the vaccine and plan to get it.

I am an RN and like most healthcare workers, have not taken the flu vaccine until this year [next week] and was advised to take the pneumonia vaccine by my oncologist.  However, a live attenuated vaccine like H1N1 is bothering me - while on chemo our bodies become immunocompromised and the risk of catching the flu from an attenuated vaccine is high as catching the cold from another person.  This vaccine can also shed after being given and cause a higher risk.  I have already "bagged" up on Lysol and always carry around handwash gel - there is a bottle everywhere - on my desk, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom [for my granddaughter who loves to play with it], and of course on the job.

Interesting topic and discussions.  I have discussed this with my onc and gyn.  I have only had 1 flu shot in my life.  22 years ago.  About an hour after the shot my heartbeat was rapid.   Since then, I have chosen not to have the shot.  I taught kindergarten and 1st grade and never caught the flu from my students.  The situation is now different.  I am retired but I know that my white count will probably be low during my next round of chemo.  Both doctors suggested that I get the shots.  My onc said that if I decide not to get it, anyone that I'm around should be vaccinated.   You women, have helped me realize that there is more to consider.  Thank you.  I value your opinions and will continue to do research.  Connette

It looks like the H1N1 vaccine will be a killed virus vaccine (injection), so there is no way you can get Swine flu from it.  The live, attenuated influenza vaccine is a nasal spray (not injection), and is not recommended for anyone over the age of 50.

They are doing studies of the H1N1 vaccine in pregnant women this month.

"Q:  Is the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine safe for pregnant women?

A:  Influenza vaccines have not been shown to cause harm to a pregnant woman or her baby.  The seasonal flu shot (injection) is proven as safe and already recommended for pregnant women. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will be made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make seasonal influenza vaccines.


Q:  What safety studies have been done on the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine and have any been done in pregnant women?

A:  A number of clinical trials which test 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in healthy children and adults are underway.  These studies are being conducted by the National Institutes of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Studies of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pregnant women are expected to begin in September.


Q:  Does the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine have preservative in it?  

A: There is no evidence that thimerosal (used as a preservative in vaccine packaged in multi-dose vials) is harmful to a pregnant woman or a fetus. However, because some women are concerned about exposure to preservatives during pregnancy, manufacturers will produce preservative-free seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children. CDC recommends that pregnant women may receive influenza vaccine with or without thimerosal.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

The number of potential deaths (?5)/Guillan-Barre cases (?>50) from the 1976 swine flu vaccine was very much less than the number of deaths that have occurred already in this present pandemic in the US (about 590). http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/

Of course, we do not know how effective this vaccine will be.  We must make decisions based on many unknowns.  

If I am offered the H1N1 vaccine, I am definitely going to get it.

Nanalinda, I noticed your avatar quote, I was wondering how you had negative nodes, yet you list as stage IV.  Did you have a sentinel node biopsy done?  I was dxed in March with triple negative, and they told me my nodes were negative with snb, and that I was stage 1.  Is it possible to have negative nodes and be a different stage?

MsBliss:  I was diagnosed in July 2006, had partial mastectomy and SNB which was negative, and was told I was stage I at that time.  In July of 2008, I developed swelling in my arm, and an ultrasound showed mets in the lymph nodes of my upper chest and near my clavicle.  A PET showed further mets in my mid chest and my spine.  So I am now stage IV.