What Immunizations are safe for patients with CML?

The information posted in this blog resulted from the research and expertise of an experienced oncology nurse, Alisa Peinhardt, the Director of Patient Care Services for the National CML Society. This information, and additional information from NCMLS about immunizations CML patients should avoid, is at this link. http://www.nationalcmlsociety.org/faq/immunizations

The National CML Society is a nonprofit organization serving those impacted by CML in the United States.

What Immunizations are safe for patients with CML?

IMMUNIZATIONS SAFE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA (CML)
Immunization	Information
Hepatitis A	The Hepatitis A vaccine contains only killed virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take.
Hepatitis B	The Hepatitis B vaccine does not contain elements of a live virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take.
Human Papilloma Virus or HPV Vaccine	The HPV vaccine does not contain elements of a live virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take. The HPV vaccine is now indicated for both males and females.
H1N1 or Influenza A	The H1N1 vaccine does not contain elements of a live virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take. Indications for this vaccine may change from year to year so it is important to check with your healthcare team before receiving it.
Influenza (shot)	The flu shot does not contain elements of a live virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take. In fact, it is important to get a flu shot each year to decrease your risk of becoming sick with the flu. Patients with CML have not been shown to have increased risk of contracting the flu, but there is information that the flu can be more dangerous to those with CML and other hematological malignancies. Flu Shot - may be given into the muscle – usually the upper arm or smaller doses may be given intradermally – just under the skin.
Tetanus Shot (Td, TdaP, or DTaP)	These different combination vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis contain only portions of disease elements and are generally safe for patients with CML. Alert your healthcare team to your CML status prior to receiving a “Tetanus” shot.
Meningococcal  or Meningitis Vaccine	The Meningococcal vaccine contains only killed virus and is therefore safe for patients with CML to take.
Pneumonia shot or Pneumococcus Vaccine	Individuals with CML should in general, receive the Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine helps individuals with compromised immune systems fend off potentially dangerous pneumonias.
Polio Shot	The polio shot given by most practicing pediatricians in the United States contains inactivated polio virus and is safe for patients living with CML.
Rabies	The rabies vaccine is given to individuals at risk for exposure to rabies. The dosage schedule is different for those who have been in direct contact with suspected rabies, including those who have been previously vaccinated. The rabies vaccine contains inactivated rabies and is safe for patients living with CML.