Flu shots

[Guest guest]

I finally found a flu shot for (I don't know if the " under 4 " shots are in

short supply, but her Pediatrician's office said they weren't getting any in;

then we got on a list at the hospital, and they finally called me on Friday).

My toughest problem is getting my 4 yr old, who isn't on the " high-risk " list, a

shot. Both the doctor's office and the hospital said he couldn't get one now

unless he was high-risk, which he isn't. They suggested getting it done at one

of the supermarkets or pharmacies, but they don't provide the shots to kids. My

husband and I both have appointments for this week, and has her appointment

tomorrow, but I can't seem to find one for Connor. Isn't that strange?

, Mom to , age 2, IgA Deficient, Chronic sinus and ear infections,

asthma and Connor, age 4, no medical issues

Re: Sandi

Sandi:

Well, yesterday Em had a couple of loose stools and today a couple of crying

spells for no reason. She has every single indicator (for her) of a sinus

infection, except no drainage or green nose. In fact, a while after crying

she wanted to blow and hardly anything came out. ?????? Actually, we're

missing one symptom for her -- night waking, but I'm expecting that tonight

or tomorrow!

REMINDER -- is everyone remembering to plan their flu shots??!!!! Especially

you IgA defs! The hardest part is getting my husband to get his -- he knows

it's important but he has a procrastination problem. Actually, usually even

harder is trying to get the PID child healthy enough to even GET the vaccine!

[Guest guest]

I've heard that, too. Have you ever seen that anywhere in writing so I can show

it to the doctor, or is it just something that most doctors recommend? Seems

like I'm forever having to show the doctors something in writing to get them to

do what everyone else's doctors does automatically!

Re: Flu Shots

It is strange. I would check in with your local health department. We are

told that when you have a PID kid it is important for everyone in the family

to receive one so that you reduce the increased risk for the PID kid. BARBIE

[Guest guest]

Believe it or not, it is 's (and Connor's) Pediatrician that doesn't think

Connor needs a flu shot. Initially they told me they weren't getting any of the

" under 4 " flu shot, and thought it was in short supply this year. I called the

hospital and had put on a " high risk " list, but they said they weren't

getting their flu shots until late Oct (don't know why, because the grocery

stores have them). The hospital called me Friday and said they had the vaccine

in, and I could schedule but not Connor. Then I called the ped's office,

and they said they had their's, too. Neither place will give one to Connor,

however, because he isn't high risk. I didn't think flu shots were in anyway in

short supply this year, unless there is something with the " under 4 " one that is

(although Connor is 4, and won't get the " under 4 " shot???). The Ped's office

suggested that I bring Connor along, which I have to do anyway, and ask the

doctor again if they'll give him one (I guess I should be prepared to beg?).

I didn't realize that the immunization for " under 4 " was different, but I also

haven't heard anywhere that any type of flu shot is in short supply this year.

The doctor's nurse asked me why Connor would need a flu shot because was

high risk, because is getting the flu shot herself. That's something I

couldn't answer, because I'm not sure what the correct answer is for that one!

I've never had a flu shot myself, but I imagine they hurt a little. Is it a

good idea to give tylenol beforehand so it won't hurt as much, or won't

that make a difference? I wish I had thought of that last week when they took

blood to test 's IgG subclasses, and the nurse stuck her and missed. She

was screaming and crying, and then the doctor came in and did it. It was the

most miserable experience we've ever had drawing blood. I think next time we'll

have the lab do it; I think they're more experienced!

Re: Flu Shots

Hi ,

Your best bet might be to explain that Connor is the brother of a high risk

child. That way, wouldn't be exposed to the flu. I'm surprised that

the Ped's office can't help you out--I've heard that there is no shortage

this year of vaccine. In fact, at my pharmacy, they aren't even having a

" high risk " day because they have so much vaccine. Good luck!

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot,

chronic sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD.

Ten surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

Good for you, . Go get them!!!

Sandi, 's Mom

[Guest guest]

You've convinced me. When I bring the kids in tomorrow afternoon I'm simply

going to tell them that they are giving each child a shot! The more I think

about this, the more ridiculous it seems. They are acting like there is some

huge shortage, and there isn't. If I want my son to have a flu shot, then they

are going to give him a flu shot, damn it! It's like pulling teeth sometimes

with these doctors!

Re: Flu Shots

In a message dated 10/20/2002 7:26:56 PM Central Standard Time,

ercokat@... writes:

> The doctor's nurse asked me why Connor would need a flu shot because

> was high risk, because is getting the flu shot herself. That's

> something I couldn't answer, because I'm not sure what the correct answer

> is for that one!

>

:

Just tell them some PID patients don't make antibodies very well themselves

and there's no way to know if will make the antibodies well enough to be

protected. I can't believe you have to beg! Two years ago or whenever it was,

when there was a bad flu vaccine shortage, I called my doctor and TOLD them

that my husband and I were to be first on the list when any flu vaccine

became available because we were immediate family of a PID child. I basically

gave them no choice and they did not resist one bit. They put us on the " A

list " as if we had PIDs ourselves.

(mom to Kate, born 9/19/02; and , age 3-3/4 -- currently has

polysaccharide antibody def, previously had transient IgG, IgA, t-cell &

other defs)

[Guest guest]

That is weird. We were told the same thing. That it was important to

Kody that everyone that comes in contact with him on a regular basis

should have the flu shot. We were told to tell the doctor's office that

there is a pid child in the family and you would receive the flu shot on

a priority basis since there is a shortage usually. Even my daycare kids

get the flu shot, I was amazed at how cooperative all the parents were,

they were like " well, yes! Of course! " LOL and they had no problem

getting it once they explained about Kody.

Diane Mom to Kody

> It is strange. I would check in with your local health department. We are

> told that when you have a PID kid it is important for everyone in the family

> to receive one so that you reduce the increased risk for the PID kid. BARBIE

>

[Guest guest]

,

I have yet to be tested (next month) but I am most likely IgA deficient,

just like my son. I get a flu shot every year. Last year I received mine on

the " high risk " day at my pharmacy in October--I have another disability. I

had the worst flu of my life in May. Apparently, the flu shot did wear off,

or maybe it doesn't last as long for people with immune system issues? I

just know that it wasn't working by May! Thankfully, the shot limited my

down time to just one round of the flu. hasn't had the flu since he

started receiving the flu shots.

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot, chronic

sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD. Ten

surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

Our ped wrote a prescription for everyone in our family to get an early flu

shot. However, I don't know how early " early " is supposed to be. How early

in the season should we be getting shots. I actually had a nurse tell me

that if we got it too early, it wouldn't last the entire season. Now, that

seems wrong to me.

Pam

mom to 4

Rebekah, 3, CVID

Re: Flu Shots

I finally found a flu shot for (I don't know if the " under 4 " shots are

in short supply, but her Pediatrician's office said they weren't getting any

in; then we got on a list at the hospital, and they finally called me on

Friday). My toughest problem is getting my 4 yr old, who isn't on the

" high-risk " list, a shot. Both the doctor's office and the hospital said he

couldn't get one now unless he was high-risk, which he isn't. They

suggested getting it done at one of the supermarkets or pharmacies, but they

don't provide the shots to kids. My husband and I both have appointments

for this week, and has her appointment tomorrow, but I can't seem to

find one for Connor. Isn't that strange?

, Mom to , age 2, IgA Deficient, Chronic sinus and ear infections,

asthma and Connor, age 4, no medical issues

Re: Sandi

Sandi:

Well, yesterday Em had a couple of loose stools and today a couple of

crying

spells for no reason. She has every single indicator (for her) of a sinus

infection, except no drainage or green nose. In fact, a while after crying

she wanted to blow and hardly anything came out. ?????? Actually, we're

missing one symptom for her -- night waking, but I'm expecting that

tonight

or tomorrow!

REMINDER -- is everyone remembering to plan their flu shots??!!!!

Especially

you IgA defs! The hardest part is getting my husband to get his -- he

knows

it's important but he has a procrastination problem. Actually, usually

even

harder is trying to get the PID child healthy enough to even GET the

vaccine!

[Guest guest]

I heard that the CDC was recommending flu shots for kids 6 months and older

and considering requiring them in the future. Day care kids, in particular,

are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. I wonder what you ped is

thinking about the 'no flu' shots under 4 stuff?

Pam

Re: Flu Shots

Believe it or not, it is 's (and Connor's) Pediatrician that doesn't

think Connor needs a flu shot. Initially they told me they weren't getting

any of the " under 4 " flu shot, and thought it was in short supply this year.

I called the hospital and had put on a " high risk " list, but they said

they weren't getting their flu shots until late Oct (don't know why, because

the grocery stores have them). The hospital called me Friday and said they

had the vaccine in, and I could schedule but not Connor. Then I called

the ped's office, and they said they had their's, too. Neither place will

give one to Connor, however, because he isn't high risk. I didn't think flu

shots were in anyway in short supply this year, unless there is something

with the " under 4 " one that is (although Connor is 4, and won't get the

" under 4 " shot???). The Ped's office suggested that I bring Connor along,

which I have to do anyway, and ask the doctor again if they'll give him one

(I guess I should be prepared to beg?).

I didn't realize that the immunization for " under 4 " was different, but I

also haven't heard anywhere that any type of flu shot is in short supply

this year. The doctor's nurse asked me why Connor would need a flu shot

because was high risk, because is getting the flu shot herself.

That's something I couldn't answer, because I'm not sure what the correct

answer is for that one!

I've never had a flu shot myself, but I imagine they hurt a little. Is it a

good idea to give tylenol beforehand so it won't hurt as much, or won't

that make a difference? I wish I had thought of that last week when they

took blood to test 's IgG subclasses, and the nurse stuck her and

missed. She was screaming and crying, and then the doctor came in and did

it. It was the most miserable experience we've ever had drawing blood. I

think next time we'll have the lab do it; I think they're more experienced!

Re: Flu Shots

Hi ,

Your best bet might be to explain that Connor is the brother of a high

risk

child. That way, wouldn't be exposed to the flu. I'm surprised that

the Ped's office can't help you out--I've heard that there is no shortage

this year of vaccine. In fact, at my pharmacy, they aren't even having a

" high risk " day because they have so much vaccine. Good luck!

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot,

chronic sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD.

Ten surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

I heard that too. The kids got theirs today, and the CDC handout they give you

with the shots states that it takes about 2 weeks to be fully effective, and

lasts about 1 year. I was told by a nurse that if I got mine too early (my

doctor had the shots in at the end of Sep) it might not last through March.

Seeing the info. from the Center for Disease Control in print makes me believe

that the info. from the nurse is incorrect, because it states that the shot

should provide protection for 1 yr.

Re: Sandi

Sandi:

Well, yesterday Em had a couple of loose stools and today a couple of

crying

spells for no reason. She has every single indicator (for her) of a sinus

infection, except no drainage or green nose. In fact, a while after crying

she wanted to blow and hardly anything came out. ?????? Actually, we're

missing one symptom for her -- night waking, but I'm expecting that

tonight

or tomorrow!

REMINDER -- is everyone remembering to plan their flu shots??!!!!

Especially

you IgA defs! The hardest part is getting my husband to get his -- he

knows

it's important but he has a procrastination problem. Actually, usually

even

harder is trying to get the PID child healthy enough to even GET the

vaccine!

[Guest guest]

Maybe I don't get it, but why do other vaccines or illnesses provide

permanent protection, but the flu shot only lasts for one year (or 3

months). I do understand that the flu mutates each year and that you have

to get a new shot each year to be covered (somewhat) for the new flu

strains, but why does the immunization not last forever? Does the flu shot

require a person to make memory B-cells? Or, are there some kind of T-cells

that story the memory of viruses? I strongly doubt Rebekah's ability to

make B-cells from vaccinations but was hoping that maybe, since the flu is a

virus, she might make some kind of T-cell that could remember the " flu. " I

have to admit that I haven't read much about the T-cell system at this

point. I'm seriously thinking about taking an immunology class here at the

college I teach at.

Also, if the shot only lasts 3 months, why did they have the vaccine in

Sept. Who would want to get the vaccine twice? And, why are they

vaccinating nursing home patients currently but not PID kids if the vaccine

only lasts for a few months? We are scheduled to get the shots for the kids

on November 7th but and I were told to just go to the public blitz to

get ours. I'm debating how *itchy to be about this. Partly, I'm just

letting this slide since we have our first home infusion on Thursday and I

do not have a nurse, a drug supplied, a treatment plan, infusions rate or

ANYTHING in place yet!!! I now have 48 hours to get all of this worked out

and I started making calls almost 2 weeks ago. I'm getting nervous....okay,

I'm just plain nervous about the entire idea of a home infusion. BUT...I

can't wait to call our hematologist and tell him that we won't be coming

back!

I got to meet Kathy A. at the conference this weekend. Next time, I'd love

to stay and have a longer talk with her. It was a true joy to see another

mom who understands that life can't be planned too far in advance and that

my other kids get into the car and routinely ask which doctor we are going

to see that day!

Pam

mom to 4

Rebekah, 3, CVID

Re: Flu Shots

I heard that too. The kids got theirs today, and the CDC handout they give

you with the shots states that it takes about 2 weeks to be fully effective,

and lasts about 1 year. I was told by a nurse that if I got mine too early

(my doctor had the shots in at the end of Sep) it might not last through

March. Seeing the info. from the Center for Disease Control in print makes

me believe that the info. from the nurse is incorrect, because it states

that the shot should provide protection for 1 yr.

Re: Sandi

Sandi:

Well, yesterday Em had a couple of loose stools and today a couple of

crying

spells for no reason. She has every single indicator (for her) of a

sinus

infection, except no drainage or green nose. In fact, a while after

crying

she wanted to blow and hardly anything came out. ?????? Actually, we're

missing one symptom for her -- night waking, but I'm expecting that

tonight

or tomorrow!

REMINDER -- is everyone remembering to plan their flu shots??!!!!

Especially

you IgA defs! The hardest part is getting my husband to get his -- he

knows

it's important but he has a procrastination problem. Actually, usually

even

harder is trying to get the PID child healthy enough to even GET the

vaccine!

[Guest guest]

,

It could even be that the flu vaccine didn't protect me from that strain,

either. I hadn't thought of that before. I just hope I never get it like

that again!!

Take care--

Sandi, 's Mom

[Guest guest]

Hmm. I'm just wondering if the flu shot wears off or if PID people don't

get a large enough response to the flu vaccine to last for a long time? I'm

justing thinking out loud with that last question, and not expecting anyone

to know the answer. I wonder if I should have Rebekah vaccinated twice a

year? Or all of us? Oooh, I can't wait to hear the answer when I ask my 6

and 8yo how they feel about two flu vaccines!

Pam

mom to 4

Rebekah, 3 CVID

Re: Flu Shots

,

I have yet to be tested (next month) but I am most likely IgA deficient,

just like my son. I get a flu shot every year. Last year I received mine

on

the " high risk " day at my pharmacy in October--I have another disability. I

had the worst flu of my life in May. Apparently, the flu shot did wear off,

or maybe it doesn't last as long for people with immune system issues? I

just know that it wasn't working by May! Thankfully, the shot limited my

down time to just one round of the flu. hasn't had the flu since he

started receiving the flu shots.

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot,

chronic

sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD. Ten

surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

The exact statement on the CDC " Influenza Vaccine " fact sheet is " Protection

develops about 2 weeks after getting the shot and MAY last up to a year. Some

people who get flu vaccine may still get flu, but they will usually get a milder

case than those who did not get the shot. " So there are 2 reasons you probably

got the flu in May; either the vaccine didn't last you until May, or it was

simply because the flu vaccine doesn't prevent you from getting the flu

altogether.

Re: Flu Shots

,

I have yet to be tested (next month) but I am most likely IgA deficient,

just like my son. I get a flu shot every year. Last year I received mine on

the " high risk " day at my pharmacy in October--I have another disability. I

had the worst flu of my life in May. Apparently, the flu shot did wear off,

or maybe it doesn't last as long for people with immune system issues? I

just know that it wasn't working by May! Thankfully, the shot limited my

down time to just one round of the flu. hasn't had the flu since he

started receiving the flu shots.

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot, chronic

sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD. Ten

surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

The kids' doctor was acting as though there is some sort of shortage, I guess,

but there isn't. They didn't give me a hassle today; I just said " I want Connor

to get one too " , and the nurse went and got him his dose (he didn't like it at

all)! If they weren't going to give him one, too, I was going to go to the

hospital and get him a shot there. They initially suggested we go to the

grocery store and get it done, because they had the vaccine before the doctor's

office! But they don't vaccinate children (at least the very little ones).

Re: Flu Shots

Hi ,

Your best bet might be to explain that Connor is the brother of a high

risk

child. That way, wouldn't be exposed to the flu. I'm surprised that

the Ped's office can't help you out--I've heard that there is no shortage

this year of vaccine. In fact, at my pharmacy, they aren't even having a

" high risk " day because they have so much vaccine. Good luck!

Sandi--Mom to , age 9. Suspected IgA def., Tetrology of Fallot,

chronic sinusitis, chronic ear infections, asthma, severe allergies, GERD.

Ten surgeries, heart surgery pending.

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Again, answering probably too late to make a huge immediate impact, but

maybe it can be filed away mentally for next year.....

Flu shots themselves are usually active about 3-5 months in a healthy

person, with peak antibody production made about 2-3 weeks after getting

the shot. The T cells are most important in forming immunity to the flu

because it's a virus. B-cells don't deal with viruses, for the most

part.

In immune deficient patients, there is some thought that we don't make a

full immune response to the vaccine (as we may or may not to other

illnesses), so I have been instructed to get my flu shot twice -- I get

them regular strength, one as soon as they are available in Sept. and

another in December or early January. Given my training and prior

jobs, I am exposed to the flu a lot, and I've never had a case of it.

In theory, on some level, your body will likely retain some T cell

memory to the flu for years, but not in protective levels. As you said,

the shot is changed year to year because of the changing nature of the

viruses that circulate world-wide. Your other children should make

adequate responses, and I'd think that with a fall administration of the

vaccine, they should be able to fight off the illness through the

spring. But Rebekah might do better with two doses in fall and winter.

Lynne, you mentioned getting the vaccine in the middle of the infusion

cycle... in general, that's what the docs like to recommend for any

immunization, because if you give someone immunizations when there's

lots of antibodies circulating, they sometimes will just neutralize the

vaccine and no new antibodies are formed. But that's because most

people have antibodies in the donor IVIG that the child is getting the

vaccination against. But with the flu shot, there aren't many donor

antibodies against the flu, so it's not as big a deal to worry about the

timing of the shot. I hope that makes sense... let me know if I've

confused the issue. I think that any time is okay to get the shot,

unless she is sick and running a fever (and that's true for everyone).

In other vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, etc), there are donor

antibodies in the IVIG, so it makes sense to time those in the middle of

the cycle, if you're going to do them. Most docs don't make kids

continue to get immunizations when they're on IVIG, but some think they

are important on a T-cell level... either way, if you're getting things

that are in IVIG, you should consider the timing issues, but if there's

not a lot of protection in the IVIG, it shouldn't matter when you do it.

Hope that's helpful... sorry it's late!

Pam Mork wrote:

>

> Hmm. I'm just wondering if the flu shot wears off or if PID people don't

> get a large enough response to the flu vaccine to last for a long time? I'm

> justing thinking out loud with that last question, and not expecting anyone

> to know the answer. I wonder if I should have Rebekah vaccinated twice a

> year? Or all of us? Oooh, I can't wait to hear the answer when I ask my 6

> and 8yo how they feel about two flu vaccines!

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Again, answering probably too late to make a huge immediate impact, but

maybe it can be filed away mentally for next year.....

Flu shots themselves are usually active about 3-5 months in a healthy

person, with peak antibody production made about 2-3 weeks after getting

the shot. The T cells are most important in forming immunity to the flu

because it's a virus. B-cells don't deal with viruses, for the most

part.

In immune deficient patients, there is some thought that we don't make a

full immune response to the vaccine (as we may or may not to other

illnesses), so I have been instructed to get my flu shot twice -- I get

them regular strength, one as soon as they are available in Sept. and

another in December or early January. Given my training and prior

jobs, I am exposed to the flu a lot, and I've never had a case of it.

In theory, on some level, your body will likely retain some T cell

memory to the flu for years, but not in protective levels. As you said,

the shot is changed year to year because of the changing nature of the

viruses that circulate world-wide. Your other children should make

adequate responses, and I'd think that with a fall administration of the

vaccine, they should be able to fight off the illness through the

spring. But Rebekah might do better with two doses in fall and winter.

Lynne, you mentioned getting the vaccine in the middle of the infusion

cycle... in general, that's what the docs like to recommend for any

immunization, because if you give someone immunizations when there's

lots of antibodies circulating, they sometimes will just neutralize the

vaccine and no new antibodies are formed. But that's because most

people have antibodies in the donor IVIG that the child is getting the

vaccination against. But with the flu shot, there aren't many donor

antibodies against the flu, so it's not as big a deal to worry about the

timing of the shot. I hope that makes sense... let me know if I've

confused the issue. I think that any time is okay to get the shot,

unless she is sick and running a fever (and that's true for everyone).

In other vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, etc), there are donor

antibodies in the IVIG, so it makes sense to time those in the middle of

the cycle, if you're going to do them. Most docs don't make kids

continue to get immunizations when they're on IVIG, but some think they

are important on a T-cell level... either way, if you're getting things

that are in IVIG, you should consider the timing issues, but if there's

not a lot of protection in the IVIG, it shouldn't matter when you do it.

Hope that's helpful... sorry it's late!

Pam Mork wrote:

>

> Hmm. I'm just wondering if the flu shot wears off or if PID people don't

> get a large enough response to the flu vaccine to last for a long time? I'm

> justing thinking out loud with that last question, and not expecting anyone

> to know the answer. I wonder if I should have Rebekah vaccinated twice a

> year? Or all of us? Oooh, I can't wait to hear the answer when I ask my 6

> and 8yo how they feel about two flu vaccines!

[Guest guest]

-

You said you get the flu shot twice. My daughter is IgA Deficient. Would

she be in that category of requiring the shot twice? Just wondering if that

is true for all persons with immune deficiencies, or only for people that

have particular deficiencies?

, Mom to , 2-1/2, IgA Deficient, Chronic sinus/ear infections,

asthma

Re: Flu Shots

> Pam,

> Again, answering probably too late to make a huge immediate impact, but

> maybe it can be filed away mentally for next year.....

>

> Flu shots themselves are usually active about 3-5 months in a healthy

> person, with peak antibody production made about 2-3 weeks after getting

> the shot. The T cells are most important in forming immunity to the flu

> because it's a virus. B-cells don't deal with viruses, for the most

> part.

>

> In immune deficient patients, there is some thought that we don't make a

> full immune response to the vaccine (as we may or may not to other

> illnesses), so I have been instructed to get my flu shot twice -- I get

> them regular strength, one as soon as they are available in Sept. and

> another in December or early January. Given my training and prior

> jobs, I am exposed to the flu a lot, and I've never had a case of it.

>

> In theory, on some level, your body will likely retain some T cell

> memory to the flu for years, but not in protective levels. As you said,

> the shot is changed year to year because of the changing nature of the

> viruses that circulate world-wide. Your other children should make

> adequate responses, and I'd think that with a fall administration of the

> vaccine, they should be able to fight off the illness through the

> spring. But Rebekah might do better with two doses in fall and winter.

>

> Lynne, you mentioned getting the vaccine in the middle of the infusion

> cycle... in general, that's what the docs like to recommend for any

> immunization, because if you give someone immunizations when there's

> lots of antibodies circulating, they sometimes will just neutralize the

> vaccine and no new antibodies are formed. But that's because most

> people have antibodies in the donor IVIG that the child is getting the

> vaccination against. But with the flu shot, there aren't many donor

> antibodies against the flu, so it's not as big a deal to worry about the

> timing of the shot. I hope that makes sense... let me know if I've

> confused the issue. I think that any time is okay to get the shot,

> unless she is sick and running a fever (and that's true for everyone).

> In other vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, etc), there are donor

> antibodies in the IVIG, so it makes sense to time those in the middle of

> the cycle, if you're going to do them. Most docs don't make kids

> continue to get immunizations when they're on IVIG, but some think they

> are important on a T-cell level... either way, if you're getting things

> that are in IVIG, you should consider the timing issues, but if there's

> not a lot of protection in the IVIG, it shouldn't matter when you do it.

>

> Hope that's helpful... sorry it's late!

>

>

> Pam Mork wrote:

> >

> > Hmm. I'm just wondering if the flu shot wears off or if PID people

don't

> > get a large enough response to the flu vaccine to last for a long time?

I'm

> > justing thinking out loud with that last question, and not expecting

anyone

> > to know the answer. I wonder if I should have Rebekah vaccinated twice

a

> > year? Or all of us? Oooh, I can't wait to hear the answer when I ask

my 6

> > and 8yo how they feel about two flu vaccines!

>

>

> This forum is open to parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with a

Primary Immune Deficiency. Opinions or medical advice stated here are the

sole responsibility of the poster and should not be taken as professional

advice.

>

>

[Guest guest]

-

You said you get the flu shot twice. My daughter is IgA Deficient. Would

she be in that category of requiring the shot twice? Just wondering if that

is true for all persons with immune deficiencies, or only for people that

have particular deficiencies?

, Mom to , 2-1/2, IgA Deficient, Chronic sinus/ear infections,

asthma

Re: Flu Shots

> Pam,

> Again, answering probably too late to make a huge immediate impact, but

> maybe it can be filed away mentally for next year.....

>

> Flu shots themselves are usually active about 3-5 months in a healthy

> person, with peak antibody production made about 2-3 weeks after getting

> the shot. The T cells are most important in forming immunity to the flu

> because it's a virus. B-cells don't deal with viruses, for the most

> part.

>

> In immune deficient patients, there is some thought that we don't make a

> full immune response to the vaccine (as we may or may not to other

> illnesses), so I have been instructed to get my flu shot twice -- I get

> them regular strength, one as soon as they are available in Sept. and

> another in December or early January. Given my training and prior

> jobs, I am exposed to the flu a lot, and I've never had a case of it.

>

> In theory, on some level, your body will likely retain some T cell

> memory to the flu for years, but not in protective levels. As you said,

> the shot is changed year to year because of the changing nature of the

> viruses that circulate world-wide. Your other children should make

> adequate responses, and I'd think that with a fall administration of the

> vaccine, they should be able to fight off the illness through the

> spring. But Rebekah might do better with two doses in fall and winter.

>

> Lynne, you mentioned getting the vaccine in the middle of the infusion

> cycle... in general, that's what the docs like to recommend for any

> immunization, because if you give someone immunizations when there's

> lots of antibodies circulating, they sometimes will just neutralize the

> vaccine and no new antibodies are formed. But that's because most

> people have antibodies in the donor IVIG that the child is getting the

> vaccination against. But with the flu shot, there aren't many donor

> antibodies against the flu, so it's not as big a deal to worry about the

> timing of the shot. I hope that makes sense... let me know if I've

> confused the issue. I think that any time is okay to get the shot,

> unless she is sick and running a fever (and that's true for everyone).

> In other vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, etc), there are donor

> antibodies in the IVIG, so it makes sense to time those in the middle of

> the cycle, if you're going to do them. Most docs don't make kids

> continue to get immunizations when they're on IVIG, but some think they

> are important on a T-cell level... either way, if you're getting things

> that are in IVIG, you should consider the timing issues, but if there's

> not a lot of protection in the IVIG, it shouldn't matter when you do it.

>

> Hope that's helpful... sorry it's late!

>

>

> Pam Mork wrote:

> >

> > Hmm. I'm just wondering if the flu shot wears off or if PID people

don't

> > get a large enough response to the flu vaccine to last for a long time?

I'm

> > justing thinking out loud with that last question, and not expecting

anyone

> > to know the answer. I wonder if I should have Rebekah vaccinated twice

a

> > year? Or all of us? Oooh, I can't wait to hear the answer when I ask

my 6

> > and 8yo how they feel about two flu vaccines!

>

>

> This forum is open to parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with a

Primary Immune Deficiency. Opinions or medical advice stated here are the

sole responsibility of the poster and should not be taken as professional

advice.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I have pretty significant T-cell deficits/dysfunctions, so we presume

that I don't make great T-cell antibodies in the short-term or

long-term. None of my viral immunizations " took " and I just get IVIG

now. I don't know that it would be a huge issue, if they thought I made

okay viral memory... if only has IgA def, that's usually a B cell

issue, so my guess is that at this point in the winter, already getting

a double dose (by getting the two doses, one month apart, being her

first flu shot), she will be covered. You can ask your doctor in the

future, if she develops more pervasive defects, but I think this year,

she should be okay. That's just my opinion, though - not a medical

recommendation... after all the goofs I've made this week, even that

might not be solid, but I suppose it's worth what you paid for it! :-)

I also should add that by virtue of my role as a med student, I am

exposed to a LOT of people with the flu each year, so I take particular

precautions about that and other preventable communicable illnesses...

And I have the known T-cell issues... And I am also not traumatized by

shots like kids are... so there are many things that make me

" different " . The key in this group is to read about what others do,

figure out what applies to you, and be confident in your own and your

doctors' decisions. That takes time and practice, but you will

definitely get there...it's never a quick journey, but fortunately, with

time, usually things get smoother as you go. It sounds like you're

doing great and being a good advocate for along the way, and that's

the best thing you can do for her (beyond loving her and being her

mommy, of course!).

Take care,

> -

>

> You said you get the flu shot twice. My daughter is IgA Deficient. Would

> she be in that category of requiring the shot twice? Just wondering if that

> is true for all persons with immune deficiencies, or only for people that

> have particular deficiencies?a

[Guest guest]

I would also be curious to hear what everyone thinks about the flu

shots....I just lined my three up to get them a couple of weeks ago. I am

not at all well-versed on the subject as they relate to autism. Oh yeah,

and peanut butter....we could not live without it!!!LOL

At 06:02 PM 11/14/02 -0500, you wrote:

>flu shots.....advice? i think i read on here that they contain something not

>good for our kids....also, peanut butter????

> Montyman LOVES peanut butter!!!!

>.....and he did get a flu shot last year and his its time to get another.

>jeese, sometime i am afraid to do ANYTHING and NOT do anything!

> input?

>Thanks!

>Donna, Montyman's mom

>

>

>--------------------------------------------------

>Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and photos

>of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other information by

>including them. Don't forget, messages are a permanent record of the

>archives for our list.

>--------------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

nathanusually has his flu shot every year too but he got the flu this year

b4 the shot---uugh. WE are antoher one in the peanut butter food group

too---nathan wouldnt get any to close to no prtien without his

peanutbutter,lol shawna.

Re: flu shots

> I would also be curious to hear what everyone thinks about the flu

> shots....I just lined my three up to get them a couple of weeks ago. I am

> not at all well-versed on the subject as they relate to autism. Oh yeah,

> and peanut butter....we could not live without it!!!LOL

>

>

>

>

>

> At 06:02 PM 11/14/02 -0500, you wrote:

> >flu shots.....advice? i think i read on here that they contain something

not

> >good for our kids....also, peanut butter????

> > Montyman LOVES peanut butter!!!!

> >.....and he did get a flu shot last year and his its time to get another.

> >jeese, sometime i am afraid to do ANYTHING and NOT do anything!

> > input?

> >Thanks!

> >Donna, Montyman's mom

> >

> >

> >--------------------------------------------------

> >Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and photos

> >of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other information by

> >including them. Don't forget, messages are a permanent record of the

> >archives for our list.

> >--------------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi,

It's flu season again and everyone or almost everyone thinks one should get

the flu shot. I took one years ago and was very sick for a week but they say

that it has changed and cannot give anyone the flu because it is a dead virus.

Don't know if it gave me the flu or not but was very ill.

Any comments,

H.

[Guest guest]

I wouldnt reccomend getting a flu shot but its your choice. Most people with

CFS are immune upregulated to the point where they really dont get colds and

flu that often. In my opinion if I did get the flu, which I have not gotten

for 6 years of being ill I would deal with the symptoms and wait to get better,

rather then risk taking a flu shot. A flu shot, dead or attenuated virus or

whatever, makes no difference, is immunogenic. It will cause your immune

system to react to it, this can lead to problems especially with something like

CFS, it could lead to a crash that could last who knows how long. I would be

extremely cautious about getting a flu shot, again just my opinion. My opinion

its not worth it, if you get a cold or flu, deal with it for 7-10 days until

the symptoms go away. Its better then taking a flu shot, getting sick from it

for a month or god knows how long.....

Hope this helps,

[Guest guest]

hi i dont take a flu shot as my immune system is so up regulated i end up

running a high fever for me from it and still get just as sick in the winter

months ( no difference without taking the flu shot the past few years )

though some people find they tolerate it better if they get half dose at a

time ....

their is mixed opnions among cfids mds about this .

somish