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What Are The Side Effects Of Pneumovac And Influvac Vaccinations?

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Posted on Sat, 23 Aug 2014
Question: Dear Doctor,

My father is 77 yrs old.

QUESTION : Given the age, low immunity level, tendency towards chest congestion, & other details stated below, whether it is advisable to safely administer him PNEUMOVAC & INFLUVAC vaccinations as preventive for pneumonia & influenza. Wheter the vaccs have side effects, restrictions & how ling effective.

PAST HISTORY :
COPD is a history of the past which since last 10 yrs xrays have confirmed that it is not there. A mild borderline case due to weather may not be ruled out.
His Echo cardiogram (heart) & ECG
shows normal. But ECG shows slight right axis, which though cardiologist negated saying it has been stated by automated machine but graph does not show right axis in the true sense at all.
He has gallbladder adenomyastatis which doctors have said seemed harmless / beningn & no operation needed at this stage
He has E.COLI, Puscell (urinary track infection). Prior to detection, his blood TC was 20k above, CRP 8, High neutrophill, repeated bacterial infection attacks. Since previous 6 months till now, COMPLETELY CONTROLLED.
He has bit of hand trembling since last 25 yrs ( though not parkinson in real sense), very hypertensive, since past 1 year loosing bit of confidence in walking (without a stick).

INVESTIGATIONS :

(1)Latest blood tests done four days back. Hb Tc DC ESR CRP Lipid Profile CPK CPKMB LFT Urea Creatine Amylase Lipase Uric Acid Vit D3 D Sugar F HBA1C Electrolytes Calcium Phosphorous T3 T4 TSH. Except TSH 6.4, slightly Low Calcium, low borderline D3, all other parameters NORMAL. (incl. TC 7000, ESR 4 all normal).
(2) Urine : E.Coli count less than 20k. Pus cells 6 hpf
(3) USG abdomen (8 months back) : normal (except gall bladder)
(4) Chest PA (8 months back) : clear
Echo cardiogram heart ( 8 months back) : normal
(5) ECG (4 days back) : Normal limits. But slight right axis (as printed), which though cardiologist negated saying it has been stated by automated machine but graph does not show right axis in the true sense at all.
(6) Brain CT (8 months back) : no abnormality.

PRESENT MEDICINES : Pantodac 20: once daily, Thyronorm 25 once daily, Surbex XT : once daily, Tab CCM once daily, Sorbiline twice daily, Septilin twice daily, Liv 52 twice daily, Carmozyme once daily, Levofloxacin (alevo) 500 : one tab only on Mon & Fri each week, Martifur MR 100 one tab alternate days (maintenance dose)

ALLERGY IN : Azithyromycin

Thank you.
XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pneumovac and influenza vaccine are recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. I see you have had answers from other doctors and I would like to confirm what they said. It is okay for your father to get these immunizations. It would be more risky not to get the vaccinations, and then get pneumonia or the flu, especially at his age and with his history.

His condition appears to be stable now. I assume the levofloxacin is being used as a suppressive antibiotic for the E. coli, so there should be no problem with him getting the immunizations. The influenza vaccination is good for 1 year. The Pneumovac is considered lifetime, although sometimes a booster is recommended after 5 years. Side effects have already been discussed by Dr XXXXXXX so please review his answer if you need to.

I suggest going ahead with these immunizations. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Pneumovac And Influvac Vaccinations?

Brief Answer: Pneumovac and influenza vaccine are recommended Detailed Answer: Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. I see you have had answers from other doctors and I would like to confirm what they said. It is okay for your father to get these immunizations. It would be more risky not to get the vaccinations, and then get pneumonia or the flu, especially at his age and with his history. His condition appears to be stable now. I assume the levofloxacin is being used as a suppressive antibiotic for the E. coli, so there should be no problem with him getting the immunizations. The influenza vaccination is good for 1 year. The Pneumovac is considered lifetime, although sometimes a booster is recommended after 5 years. Side effects have already been discussed by Dr XXXXXXX so please review his answer if you need to. I suggest going ahead with these immunizations. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.