A vaccine is a small amount of a virus or bacteria that has been weakened or killed. Exposing the body to it teaches the body to recognize and attack the infection if exposed to it later in life. This helps an individual not become ill or have less of an infection if exposed to the pathogen.
CLL patients have a higher risk of contracting infections from viruses and bacteria because of their weakened immune systems. Patients are encouraged to receive non-live vaccines before receiving treatment to help protect the immune system.
CLL patients who are not receiving treatment such as those in watch and wait or are preparing to start treatment should receive the following non-live vaccines in order to prevent infections:
CLL patients currently receiving or who have just stopped treatment with venetoclax + obinutuzumab/rituximab should not receive any vaccines without a doctor’s approval. This is because the medicines can lower the body’s resistance and the vaccine may cause the patient to get the infection the vaccine was trying to prevent. These patients should also limit time spent around individuals in the home who have just received a live virus vaccine as the virus could be passed to the patient.
Patients who are going to start a BTK inhibitor should receive any needed non-live vaccinations at least two weeks before the start of treatment. This is because BTKis can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines if administered during treatment. If a patient is vaccinated with a non-live vaccine during therapy, they should revaccinate at least three months after stopping the BTKi. Consult with your CLL specialist about any questions you have related to vaccines.
CLL medicines may cause certain viruses to be reactivated. The below list includes antiviral medicines you may receive from your doctor to help prevent and/or manage reactivated viruses:
CLL patients are at risk of frequent infections that may affect areas like the ears, sinuses, or lungs. Doctors can help patients reduce infections with medicines like antibiotics. If a patient has an IgG level of less than 500mg/dL, they can receive an immunoglobulin infusion each month.
If you have any questions related to vaccines, medicines to manage re-activated viruses, and managing infections, please contact your CLL specialist. If you need help finding a CLL specialist, visit HealthTree's CLL specialist directory here.
A vaccine is a small amount of a virus or bacteria that has been weakened or killed. Exposing the body to it teaches the body to recognize and attack the infection if exposed to it later in life. This helps an individual not become ill or have less of an infection if exposed to the pathogen.
CLL patients have a higher risk of contracting infections from viruses and bacteria because of their weakened immune systems. Patients are encouraged to receive non-live vaccines before receiving treatment to help protect the immune system.
CLL patients who are not receiving treatment such as those in watch and wait or are preparing to start treatment should receive the following non-live vaccines in order to prevent infections:
CLL patients currently receiving or who have just stopped treatment with venetoclax + obinutuzumab/rituximab should not receive any vaccines without a doctor’s approval. This is because the medicines can lower the body’s resistance and the vaccine may cause the patient to get the infection the vaccine was trying to prevent. These patients should also limit time spent around individuals in the home who have just received a live virus vaccine as the virus could be passed to the patient.
Patients who are going to start a BTK inhibitor should receive any needed non-live vaccinations at least two weeks before the start of treatment. This is because BTKis can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines if administered during treatment. If a patient is vaccinated with a non-live vaccine during therapy, they should revaccinate at least three months after stopping the BTKi. Consult with your CLL specialist about any questions you have related to vaccines.
CLL medicines may cause certain viruses to be reactivated. The below list includes antiviral medicines you may receive from your doctor to help prevent and/or manage reactivated viruses:
CLL patients are at risk of frequent infections that may affect areas like the ears, sinuses, or lungs. Doctors can help patients reduce infections with medicines like antibiotics. If a patient has an IgG level of less than 500mg/dL, they can receive an immunoglobulin infusion each month.
If you have any questions related to vaccines, medicines to manage re-activated viruses, and managing infections, please contact your CLL specialist. If you need help finding a CLL specialist, visit HealthTree's CLL specialist directory here.
about the author
Megan Heaps
Megan joined HealthTree in 2022. As a writer and the daughter of a blood cancer patient, she is dedicated to helping patients and their caregivers understand the various aspects of their disease. This understanding enables them to better advocate for themselves and improve their treatment outcomes. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.