Download “Flu Shot” – Information for Cancer Patients, Survivors and Family

The “Flu Shot” – Information for Cancer Patients, Survivors and Family Members
Should I have the flu shot?
Yes. All cancer patients, cancer survivors, family and care givers should have the flu shot every year.
You should not have the flu shot if you are allergic to the vaccine or any of the vaccine’s components, or
if you are advised by your Doctor to avoid or delay it.
People who are allergic to eggs can have the flu shot.
Because the flu shot is made of dead (inactivated) viruses, the flu shot can be given to people 6 months
of age or older. People with a weak immune system (immunosuppression), because of cancer or other
health conditions, can have the flu shot.
People with cancer should not have the nasal spray flu vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is made of live
flu viruses and is not approved for people with weak immune systems (immunosuppression).
Will the flu shot protect me from getting the flu?
Yes. The flu shot will lower your chance of getting the flu. Even though it may not work as well in people
with cancer, it will lower your chance of having serious flu complications which may need treatment in
hospital. The flu vaccine does not protect against infection with other viruses or bacteria.
What about my family, friends and caregivers?
People who have regular contact with cancer patients, especially those on chemotherapy, should have
the flu shot. Because the flu shot may not work as well in cancer patients, it is important that the people
around cancer patients get the flu shot to help protect cancer patients from the flu.
When is the Flu Season?
In Canada, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue as late as May. Peak flu
season is in a 10 to 16 week period that usually starts in December. Between 10% and 20% of Canadians
will get the flu each year.
When should I have the flu shot?
If you are a Haematology (blood cancer) patient, or you have been treated in the past for cancer, or you
are a friend, family member or caregiver of someone with cancer you should have your flu shot as soon
as you can.
If you have had a Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant more than 4 months ago, you should have your
flu shot as soon as you can.
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If you had your transplant less than 4 months ago, you should talk to your doctor about when it
is best to get your flu shot.
If you are having Radiation Therapy, you may have your flu shot at any time during your radiation
treatment. Flu shots will not affect your radiation treatments.
If you are just starting Chemotherapy, you should have the flu shot before chemotherapy begins.
If you are already having Chemotherapy, you should have the flu shot 3 to 5 days before your next
chemotherapy treatment.
If you have finished Chemotherapy, have the flu shot 3 to 4 weeks after chemotherapy is over.
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Where can I get the Flu Shot?
You can get a flu shot from your Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner or Pharmacist.
What else can I do to protect myself?
Having a flu shot is only one small part of reducing your risk of getting the flu. It is also important to clean
your hands well and often.
Cancer patients do not need to wear face masks.
What about Tamiflu®?
Tamiflu® is an anti-viral drug that may be used to treat the flu.
Any cancer patient who develops flu symptoms should call their Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner right
away and ask if they should be taking Tamiflu®. Anti-viral drugs are most effective if started within 48
hours of the start of symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Symptoms of flu may include:
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Fever
Cough
Stuffy nose
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Chills
Runny eyes
Fatigue
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Sore throat
Headache
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Extreme weakness
Muscle aches
Children can also have earaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Elderly people may not have a fever.
If you are having Chemotherapy and you have a fever, go to the closest Emergency Department right
away and show your “Yellow Card” to the Nurse. The fever may be due to a bacterial infection, which
the flu shot and Tamiflu® do not protect against.
If you have been treated for cancer in the past, and you have the flu, ask your Family Doctor/ Nurse
Practitioner if you should be taking Tamiflu®.
If people in my household get sick, should I take Tamiflu® so I don’t get the flu?
Tamiflu® may also be given to prevent flu infections in cancer patients who have been exposed to the flu.
If you have been exposed to the flu, call your Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner right away.
I’m still not sure if I should have a flu shot
If you are still not sure if you should have a flu shot, ask your Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner or Cancer
Doctor at your next appointment.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the flu shot speak to your Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner or Pharmacist or
visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website, http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Adapted, with permission, from “Frequently Asked Questions about Seasonal Influenza (“Flu”) Shots Information about “FLU” Shots for Cancer
Patients, produced in 2013 by Northeast Cancer Centre, Health Sciences North, Sudbury, via personal correspondence October, 2016.
Approved by the Nova Scotia Cancer Patient Education Committee, October 2016.
© Nova Scotia Health Authority, 2016. This information is to be updated every 3 years, or as new clinical evidence emerges.
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