PSA (Public Service Announcement)

I would just like to share some information with you all, in case you or your children are going to come in contact with me or another immunocompromised person in the near future. 

First, I will not be getting a flu shot this year.  I had it scheduled for the end of this month, but now that I am on Chemo there is no point.  The Chemo would wipe out any of the benefits of the flu shot before it could take effect.

And so, it is very beneficial if the people around me ARE vaccinated, so that they are less likely to get the flu and pass it on to me.

But, if you do plan on coming in contact with me (especially the 2nd week after I have had Chemo) when my immune system is the most suppressed, I would also like to request that you not get the flu mist.  The flu mist carries the live vaccine and therefore if you or your child were to sneeze near me or wipe your nose, etc. within seven days after getting the flu mist, I could still catch the flu from you.  And, that goes for any person whose immune system is suppressed.

Thank you to my oncologist and wonderful vaccination expert friend, Steph (who gives flu shots at the Walgreens in Waukesha...or Delafield?, I believe) for giving me this information.  It is good to know, in general.

Thank you!