What Immunizations Should CML Patients Avoid?

Brought to you by The Ntaional CML Society

The safety and efficacy of any immunization is based on highly patient-specific variables, including the phase of your CML, the treatments you are receiving and their effect on your immune system, as well as the risk you experience for exposure to dangerous illnesses for which there are effective immunizations. The table below will provide general guidelines for immunizations that should be taken only with careful consultation with your CML Specialist.

CONSULT YOUR CML SPECIALIST :

It is best to have a fully restored immune system prior to receiving any of these immunizations.

IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION

Influenza (nasal spray)

Flu-Mist®

flu spray

Spray vaccines include elements of the live influenza virus and although safe for the general population, should not be administered to individuals who have CML UNLESS APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST. Although risk is considered low, patients living with CML should avoid contact with individuals who have received immunizations with a live vaccine for one week.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Individuals with CML should not receive the Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccine UNLESS APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST since it contains elements of live viruses. It is safe however for family members or those in close contact with CML patients to receive the vaccination. If you have CML and are exposed to someone who has measles, alert your healthcare team quickly so that you might be eligible to receive measles immune globulin to help fight a measles infection.

Polio – older formulation given by mouth

The oral polio vaccine contains elements of live virus and should not be given to individuals who have CML UNLESS APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST. Although risk is considered low, patients living with CML should avoid contact with individuals who have received immunizations with a live vaccine for one week.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus vaccines are generally given only in pediatric patients. They are given orally and contain whole live viruses, making them off-limits for patients with CML. Do not administer Rotavirus vaccination to children with CML UNLESS APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST.

Smallpox

Individuals living with CML should not receive the smallpox vaccination and should avoid close contact with individuals who have received the smallpox vaccination for approximately 21 days UNLESS APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST. The virus is spread by contact, therefore individuals living with a CML patient should also not get the smallpox vaccination. Exceptions can be made if stringent protective measures are in place including covering the vaccination site at all times to avoid contact with sheets, towels, clothes or other shared surfaces. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team, any exposure to smallpox or to those recently vaccinated for smallpox.

Varicella or Chickenpox vaccine

Individuals with CML who have restored and stable immune systems are eligible to receive the chicken pox vaccine if APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST, since it contains elements of live virus. It is safe, however, for family members or those in close contact with CML patients to receive the vaccination. If you have CML, have never had chicken pox and have never had the chicken pox vaccine, and are exposed to someone who has chickenpox, alert your healthcare team quickly so that you might be eligible to receive VZV immune globulin to help fight a chicken pox infection. The VZV immune globulin must be given within 3 days of the chickenpox exposure in order to be effective.

Varicella Zoster or Shingles Vaccine

Individuals with CML who have restored and stable immune systems are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine if APPROVED BY THEIR CML SPECIALIST, since it contains elements of live virus. It is safe, however, for family members or those in close contact with CML patients to receive the vaccination.