[Ski]

#1067667

This came up at the conference, just yesterday ~ the endocrinologist who was speaking (who has been treated for Graves’ himself, by the way) said that he wouldn’t hesitate to get a live virus vaccine. If you have OTHER issues that may preclude it being safe for you, that’s something to consider, but he wouldn’t consider having Graves’, or being on ATDs, as a "point against" getting it.

[Kimberly]

#1067668

I thought this was an interesting comment, because a couple of us in the room during that session had been instructed by our endos to not only avoid live vaccines…but also to avoid contact with anyone *else* who had recently had a live vaccine. The endo at the conference felt that this was overly cautious, and that the benefit outweighed the risk.

Personally, I still plan to use caution with live vaccines.

So many opinions! It’s never easy, is it? ” title=”Wink” />

[redbets]

#1067669

Well, I have done a lot of reading since I posted my question. I have looked at 20+ sources and they all say to avoid the live vaccine if you are on Methimazole and to stay away from others who have received a live vaccine. They are offering a non-live version to my pregnant co-workers, therefore I will request that I be included in this group. I will probably have to stay away from work a few days nevertheless because I will be surrounded by people that have had the live vaccine, and I am sure that my vaccine will probably take a few days to be effective. I wish I knew how long I needed to stay away from these people. I do remember Dr. Cooper saying this about the vaccine, but I would rather be safe than sorry and right now the odds are 20+:1 against getting a live vaccine.

[redbets]

#1018887

Just wondering…I am supposed to get a H1N1 vaccine on Wed, but I hear the nose spray is a "live" vaccine. Do you think this is OK, or should I push for an injection that is not live? Or, should I not get it at all? Anyone have any opinions?

[Bobbi]

#1067670

First off: There is a distinction to be made concerning where in the scheme of things you are in your Graves treatment. "Having Graves" would not necessarily preclude being able to take the nasal form (aka ‘live’ virus) of the H1N1 virus safely. People who have been successfully treated with surgery or RAI, and returned to health, may, in fact, be told by their doctors that the nasal form of the vaccine is OK.

Being on ATDs, however, has the capability of lowering white cell count. A patient with Graves being treated with ATDs might be advised NOT to take the nasal (live) form.

And "live" isn’t quite the right term. Someone else may be able to explain this better than I, but as I understand it, the virus in this vaccine has been weakened and changed so that while it can enter, and live briefly, in nasal passages in order to trigger antibody production, it cannot live and multiply deeper inside the body, in the lungs for example, and cause severe illness.

The main thing to do is discuss the pros and cons with your own doctors.

[Author]

Posts