Hi everybody. Has anyone here received the shingles vaccine Zostavax? The question is whether it is safe for CML patients. The info I have found is not 100% clear. The answers range from "should not" to "not recommended" to "may be given..". (See below)
*Manufacturer (Merck)* http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/z/zostavax/zostavax_ppi.pdf You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you have a weakened immune system (for example, an immune deficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS). *Public Health Canada* http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p04-herp-zona-eng.php HZ vaccine is contraindicated in people with immunodeficiency due to acute or chronic leukemia. However, persons with leukemia in remission and who have not received immunosuppressive chemotherapy or radiation for at least 3 months and who do not have defects in T cell function can receive HZ vaccine; consultation with an immunologist may be required. *Centers for Desease Control* http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/shingles.pdf A person should not get shingles vaccine who cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma. *Mayo Clinic* http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/faq-20057859 The shingles vaccine isn't recommended if you have cancer that affects the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma. *National CML Society* http://www.nationalcmlsociety.org/faq/immunizations Using the most current infectious disease guidelines, Zostavax (shingles vaccine) may be given to CML patients who are stable and not experiencing any evidence of relapse or progression, and who do not have other immune suppressive issues such as recent requirements for high dose corticosteroids. Individuals with CML who have restored and stable immune systems are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine if APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST, since it contains elements of live virus. It is safe, however, for family members or those in close contact with CML patients to receive the vaccination. -- -- [CMLHope] A support group of http://cmlhope.com ------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CMLHope --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
