Hi @lmkmom. In a nutshell, when you have a bone marrow transplant you lose your childhood/lifetime immunizations.

Longer version: When undergoing a bone marrow transplant, you will no longer have your original immune system and will lose some or all of the immunities against contagious diseases that you acquired either through vaccinations or from having the illness and building antibodies to the disease.

However, you will be infused with stem cells (blood building cells) from a donor! This will become your new immune system which will grow and adapt with you. Initially this new system will be considered that of an infant after transplant and will need to have those pesky vaccinations that are so vital to our health.

The loss of immunity with the transplantation process can happen through the cancer itself along with any chemo or radiation used to treat it. Then before the transplant there is conditioning chemotherapy and sometimes full body radiation, both which prepare the bone marrow for transplantation of the cells. After transplant, there are immunosuppressive drugs given that may kill off many or all of the antibody-producing cells that produce immunity.

Childhood, adolescent and adult vaccinations are then given starting around the time you are taken off immunosuppressive meds. For some people it’s as early as 4 to 6 months. I was on them for 2.5 years. So it varies with each person.
During the time between transplant and vaccinations you’re vulnerable to illnesses so your transplant doctor will have you on meds which will provide a temporary immune system for you. These meds being 1 or 2 antibiotics, an antifungal and an antiviral med to keep you safe. I know, it sounds like a lot! And it is. 😁 However, it’s temporary and if all goes well, within months you’re off most if not all of the meds. After I had my vaccinations I was no longer on any medications at all. The only thing I do take now is a very low dose statin.

You’re in the early decision making days for the BMT and there’s a lot to consider. Vaccinations are just a small part of your return to a normal life afterwards. I’m here, along with many other members who have had a BMT to walk along side you as you go through this process. Do you have any other questions right now?