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Hi again Lori or anyone else that has input.
My wife, Becky, who has recently been diagnosed with ET and is having bi-weekly blood tests to check on the dosage of hydroxyurea that she is on is on the verge of getting an updated with the covid vaccine. Just wondering if anyone out there has done any research on the safety of the vaccine in regards to people with ET. I've been checking and haven't found anything definitive so she will probably get the vaccine after her next couple of blood tests to make sure the hydroxy is working with no side effects.
Many thanks,
Steve
Replies to "Hi again Lori or anyone else that has input. My wife, Becky, who has recently been..."
I asked my oncologist this very question last fall.
For me at least, the answer was YES, get the Covid vaccine. It isn't a " live" inoculation and the protection it gives is important.
I was also told flu shots (not live) are recommended -- while nasal flu sprays (live) are not.
The insert that came with my latest HU delivery listed a variety of live shots to be avoided . . . . . interesting!
Of course you know that in our sadly ill-informed world, wild rumors circulate about Covid shots. Fortunately, the evidence of the shots' life-saving benefits is based on solid science.
To be 100% sure, why not make a quick call to your wife's doctor?
I have no idea if this timeline of events was a coincidence or what but thought I’d share but this is my history:
Covid vac #1 on 3/16/21
Covid vac #2 on 4/13/21
Covid booster on 12/16/21
Diagnosed w/E.T. on 1/26/22
my oncologist recommended covid shots (I've had 6 over the last 3 1/2 years), also enhanced flu and this year RSV. Only reaction to ET was from 2nd shingles shot, unexpectedly platelets plummeted, and then I had to have frequent blood tests to see if it was from shot or something more serious, luckily from the shot.
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Hi Steve, Becky is taking Hydroxyurea which can impact the immune system, possibly making her more susceptible to infections and illness. So it’s important for her to keep up with her vaccinations for influenza and Covid. It may not prevent her from contracting the diseases but it may reduce the severity of the infection if she does.
Some patients with reduced immunity may have a lower response to the vaccinations. But that shouldn’t limit them from receiving the shots. When a person is immune compromised, every bit of protection helps.
I know Becky was just newly diagnosed with ET. The condition is generally slow to develop so she may have had her previous covid shots while living with ET. Did she do well with those vaccinations?