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Is Receiving Pneumococcal Vaccine During Chemotherapy Advisable?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Feb 2017
Question: I'm on chemo for lung cancer-was diagnosed in XXXXXXX 20915. Was in a study group for chemo pills from July until November., then went on IV chemo because the pills weren't doing as well for me as had been expected.
Now, my Dr. at the local cancer center wants me to get a pneumonia shot - I have never had one - is this a good idea while on chemo? HE wants me to have Prevnar 13 and then wait 1 year and have the other type of pneumonia shot. I'm 84 years old and tolerating the chemo treatments with only being a bit tired for a couple of days. I have bloolwork every week, and if the white cells are low or hemoglobin is low, I receive shots for that. If i'm low on iron, I receive iron by IV. XXXXXXX XXXX YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can go for Prevnar13

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details and i understand your concern. Prevnar 13 is an antipneumococcal vaccine which will prevent you from acquiring pnuemococcal pneumonia. Since you are a cancer patient, you are at a s higher risk for developing pneumonia.
This vaccine can be given in between chemotherapy most effectively on day 4 post chemotherapy.
No worries.
Thanks and regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepak Sundriyal

Oncologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1616 Questions

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Is Receiving Pneumococcal Vaccine During Chemotherapy Advisable?

Brief Answer: You can go for Prevnar13 Detailed Answer: Hello dear. I have gone through the details and i understand your concern. Prevnar 13 is an antipneumococcal vaccine which will prevent you from acquiring pnuemococcal pneumonia. Since you are a cancer patient, you are at a s higher risk for developing pneumonia. This vaccine can be given in between chemotherapy most effectively on day 4 post chemotherapy. No worries. Thanks and regards