Comments on: Swine Flu Vaccinations Recommended For Multiple Myeloma Patients

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:26:00 +0000

A few days ago I attended a MM patient and family seminar where Dr. Brian Durie was the keynote speaker. He told us that “most MM patients are not at high risk” for the H1N1 virus. That was very reassuring. I wrote a post about the seminar on my blog.
If, however, based on your own doctor’s recommendations, you do decide to be vaccinated, please make sure that you get the thimerosal-free vaccine. I have decided not to have the H1N1 vaccine but will probably have the regular flu shot (the thimerosal-free version, of course!).
I just read some interesting news online. Apparently, elderberry can block the activity of H1N1 in vitro, see: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090911/Elderberry-extract-prevents-H1N1-infection-in-vitro.aspx I still have to check this out more carefully, but it looks promising.
As for wearing a mask, I read that the cheap masks that you can buy in any drugstore actually provide good (damp) breeding grounds for the H1N1 virus. I threw mine away!
I wash my hands a million times a day, and clean my nose with X-Clear. I also just bought a neti pot.
In sum, I have SMM but have decided not to have the H1N1 vaccine (too many unknowns, IMO). I will take the usual precautions, avoid crowds as much as possible, etc. And hope not to get it!

By: Dawn B.

Dawn B. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:39:10 +0000

I am scheduled for transplant in a little over two weeks. A flu shot has been suggested. However I’m wondering if it is worth it (I’m sensitive to egg) for, at best, a couple weeks of immunity and a 30-70% effectiveness rate for the vaccine. What’s recommended on this?

By: Jessica Langholtz

Jessica Langholtz — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:34:16 +0000

According to Dr. Michael Boeckh, a member of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, patients who have undergone a stem cell transplant within the past six months should not get the vaccine. However, it’s important that family members and caregivers be vaccinated to reduce transmission of the virus.

By: k miller

k miller — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:41:01 +0000

How far out of SCT is it “safe” to get the flu shot?? My husband just had his Sept. 10th. Too soon??

By: Jessica Langholtz

Jessica Langholtz — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:59:37 +0000

Hi Kathy,

As a myeloma survivor, you are considered to be part of the first priority group for the vaccine. I do not believe that family members are part of this first group for the vaccine, but they may be eligible in the subsequent rounds of vaccination. I do not know if information has been released to confirm this information, so we may have to wait until the first round of vaccines is administered in October to find out.

I was also unable to track down information for financial assistance, but if you speak to your primary physician and/or insurance company, you will probably be able to find out more information.

Best of luck,
Jessica Langholtz

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:26:30 +0000

A great question – Should & CAN the family memebers of a myeloma patient get the H1N1 vaccine? I am a 9yr. Myeloma survivor so I will get the vaccine asap. My 2 college kids have received letters sent by the university’s stating their concerns and that the H1N1 is on campus and spreading. Both of our children know of students getting the H1N1. My husband also has a job that keeps him in the public – an airline pilot – we do not want him to bring the virus home. We are washing hands more then normal, and I will wear a mask if I am flying. Any other suggestions? And again – can the family members get priority like patients to get on the list to get the H1N1? Our family doctor ( In Missouri) said public health will get the vaccine but the doctor’s offices will not? What is that about??
Since 4 of us are getting both of the flu vaccines it will cost us around $200. Any finacial help for those who will need it?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:08:46 +0000

That is a good question- should my 2 college kids and husband ( an airline pilot) get the H1N1 vaccine? Since there will be a shortage CAN they even get the vaccine? I am a myeloma patient and will get one due to our priority but what about the family members? My husbands job is so in the public, I am worried he could bring the virus home to me. Both of our children have had classmates with the H1N1 already. The universities have sent letters home to the families expressing their concern about the students and that H1N1 is already on campus and spreading!! I am a 9yr myeloma survivor and just turned 48 yrs old. I do not want this flu to take me out!! So we are washing hands more then usual , and now that I am flying, I will where a mask on the plane.
Any other suggestions?

By: Nanette

Nanette — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:32:17 +0000

Hi Mary:

I’m going to do my best to get both. My husband is +60 days after his stem cell transplant. You might want to check out our blog about his illness, and finally remission:

http://nononan.blogspot.com/

If you need any moral support, I’m here for you, kiddo.

Nanette

By: Mary Wenzel

Mary Wenzel — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:28:36 +0000

My husband has smoldering MM. Since I am the caretaker, will I be able to get H1N1 vaccination?