Flu Vaccine (was Article on Vioxx, etc.)

[Guest guest]

>

> [Editor's Note: The flu

> vaccine uses dead cells, not live ones. Kathy F.]

Kathy --

I know the regular flu shots use dead cells and are

okay for us to use, but I've heard that the

alternative inhaled vaccine (FluMist?) uses live

virus, which we should avoid. I suspect that everyone

in the household should avoid as well. Can you

confirm?

BTW, my pharmacist said folks lined up hours early for

his first flu shot clinic last week. If you can't get

an appointment, plan on spending time standing in

line...

--

[Editor's Note: Yes, Flu Mist uses LIVE vaccine. The Government's directive

regarding priority for the dead cell vaccine includes immune compromised people

(that's us!!!) so you should be able to be given the injectible, although you

may have to get on a long waiting list. We are eligible to receive the

injectible vaccine because of our whacky immune systems. Your rheumy may even

have access to this vaccine since he treats immune-compromised patients. Do not

take Flu Mist without consulting with your physician. Some live vaccines may be

tolerated well by immune-compromised people while others are not. Kathy F.]

[Guest guest]

-Hi all,

I went to a flu shot clinic last Friday. We arrived 45 minutes early

and there were already about 40 people in line. I stood for a few

minutes and could see that I wasn't going to make it so I asked the

manager if I could sit. At first he said yes , then looked at me and

said no..he couldn't provide chairs for all. I decided to get a

wheelchair and was limping thruough the store to get one when a young

worker called to me and brought a chair over. I was embarrased. By

this time there were some 200 people in line..almost all of them in

their 80s. The friend I was with is 89. I was the only one sitting. a

nurse walked up the line weeding people who were not 65 or over out.

I looked at her, held up my hands, and said... " taking enbrel " She

said...oh please stay an get a shot. So, I got mine. As Kathy

pointed out it is importat to check with your docs. Mine had said

they wuld give me one but by the time I called they had halted all

flu vaccines and given them to the clinics.

Hope everyone can find one who wantsone,

Marti

-- In , Stein

<darkart42@y...> wrote:

>

> >

> > [Editor's Note: The flu

> > vaccine uses dead cells, not live ones. Kathy F.]

>

> Kathy --

>

> I know the regular flu shots use dead cells and are

> okay for us to use, but I've heard that the

> alternative inhaled vaccine (FluMist?) uses live

> virus, which we should avoid. I suspect that everyone

> in the household should avoid as well. Can you

> confirm?

>

> BTW, my pharmacist said folks lined up hours early for

> his first flu shot clinic last week. If you can't get

> an appointment, plan on spending time standing in

> line...

>

> --

>

> [Editor's Note: Yes, Flu Mist uses LIVE vaccine. The Government's

directive regarding priority for the dead cell vaccine includes

immune compromised people (that's us!!!) so you should be able to be

given the injectible, although you may have to get on a long waiting

list. We are eligible to receive the injectible vaccine because of

our whacky immune systems. Your rheumy may even have access to this

vaccine since he treats immune-compromised patients. Do not take Flu

Mist without consulting with your physician. Some live vaccines may

be tolerated well by immune-compromised people while others are not.

Kathy F.]

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet,

You Shouldn't have to worry about getting the pnuemonia

vaccine this year. If it's the same as the one I get you only have

to get it every five years.

One less thing to worry about - every little bit helps.

Cheers Suzie.