Changes in ACIP recommendations re Zoster Vaccine

[Guest guest]

Friends,

Way back in November 2008, I helped launch a campaign to change the

ACIP recommendations of the Herpes Zoster (shingles) vaccine.

I entirely missed the changes that went down at the ACIP last May 09,

and the recent discussion here.

Now their recommendations read in part:

Who should NOT get the shingles vaccine? NEW MAY 2009

Some people should not get the shingles vaccine:

• People with a weakened immune system as a result of leukemia,

lymphoma, or any other blood or bone cancer.

This is a big change from the old:

However, patients whose leukemia is in remission and who have not

received chemotherapy (e.g., alkylating drugs or antimetabolites) or

radiation for at least 3 months can receive zoster vaccine.

This change better reflects the current state of knowledge and is

certainly a safer path for all us.

Thanks to all who helped make this subtle but important change. The

CLL community is better served by our efforts and vigilance

You can read more on my blog:

http://bkoffman.blogspot.com/2010/03/small-but-positive-change-in.html

On a personal note, I am still recovering from a wonderful trip to

Israel and Egypt. The time with my donor was very special. Still very

tired. Off tomorrow to Stanford to see Dr. Miklos about his new HSCT

regime, but it looks like a transplant is not imminent for me. Last

BMB showed only 5-10% CLL, my FISH studies have reverted to WNL (no

11q del found!), my CBC remains good, my biggest palpable nodes are

1x1 cm, and the IVIG is controlling the ITP with healthy platelet

counts if I don't go too long between treatments.

Be well