Marrowforums - Flu Shot Information for Patients

The November 2007 eBulletin of the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AA&MDSIF) includes an article about flu shots for patients with bone marrow failure diseases.

A few of the points it makes:

All vaccines carry some risks, but patients should avoid infections and other illnesses whenever possible.
Flu shot risks are reduced because an inactive (not live) vaccine is used.
Problems from flu shots have been reported, but are rare.
There have been a few case reports of post-flu-shot hemolysis for PNH patients. The risks may be reduced for those taking Soliris.
There are published guidelines about flu shots for those who have undergone transplants.
The flu shot decision depends on the patient's history, treatments, and symptoms.
Every patient is different. Findings for other groups of patients may not apply to you.
Patients should discuss with their own doctors whether or not to get a flu shot each year.

We encourage patients and family members to read this article and to talk to the patient's physicians about the pros and cons of flu shots.