Chemo and Unvaxed kids

[Ninetales]

My grandmother is undergoing chemotherapy and was told to avoid my baby (4.5 months) and my sister's baby (2.5 months). But she couldn't remember whether it was for her safety or theirs. I assumed it was because they are so young they aren't fully vaccinated yet (and mine won't be ever) and the chemo will destroy her immune system. But she thinks it might be because the radiation is dangerous for the babies.

She's going to ask for sure, but to set my mind at ease, which is it? And if it is because of the vaxes, will that mean my daughter should always avoid my grandmother after chemo?

[Emmeline II]

I'm assuming it is because they are not "fully vaccinated," but I cannot say definitively.

Generally immune compromised people are told to avoid the recently vaccinated due to shedding, but the only live vax at that age is the rotavirus.

[caned & able]

Having been through this more than I care to relate, your grandmother is to stay away from RECENTLY VACCINATED children because they are carriers of disease, especially of MMR, flu, chicken pox and rotavirus as well as pertussis.

The live virus causes shedding of the live virus and pertussis can be transmitted.

I have told this to many people, and I am called a liar. Yet I have encountered this admonishment from oncologists many times. This is the truth.

[serenbat]

in general, even a simple cold can be deadly to an immune-compromised person,

also other precautions are to be taken, such as not cutting cuticle and flossing- the risk of developing an opening and thus an infection

[13Sandals]

flu mist can shed for 21 days and would be a risk to your grandmother. Most likely, she already has immunity to chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella etc and I don't know if getting these diseases over again would be likely, even after chemo.

I am sure the doc is telling her to stay away from those dangerous unvaccinated kids. this drives me nuts. Kids recently vaccinated with live viruses are much more of a danger to immunocompromised folks than healthy children.

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by Ninetales

My grandmother is undergoing chemotherapy and was told to avoid my baby (4.5 months) and my sister's baby (2.5 months). But she couldn't remember whether it was for her safety or theirs. I assumed it was because they are so young they aren't fully vaccinated yet (and mine won't be ever) and the chemo will destroy her immune system. But she thinks it might be because the radiation is dangerous for the babies.

She's going to ask for sure, but to set my mind at ease, which is it? And if it is because of the vaxes, will that mean my daughter should always avoid my grandmother after chemo?

It's to protect your grandmother from getting sick, particularly from vax shedding. My oncologist told me to avoid anyone recently vaxed or sick.

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by 13Sandals

flu mist can shed for 21 days and would be a risk to your grandmother. Most likely, she already has immunity to chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella etc and I don't know if getting these diseases over again would be likely, even after chemo.

I am sure the doc is telling her to stay away from those dangerous unvaccinated kids. this drives me nuts. Kids recently vaccinated with live viruses are much more of a danger to immunocompromised folks than healthy children.

Actually I was more at risk from the recently vaxed, my own child is unvaxed, and my oncologist never even mentioned unvaxed people, only recently vaxed.

[Angela512]

They are speaking about recently vaxed children. My MIL had chemo and radiation therapy for breast cancer when my DD was born. The oncologist told us that she should not be around baby becuase of the vaxes shedding to which I winked at MIL. MIL saw DD daily (helped her feel better) and never problems.

But, it is definitely staying away from recently vaxed children.

[mcgee]

She should stay away from recently vaccinated babies/children because of vaccine shedding. A friend's husband went through chemotherapy, and they delayed vaccinating their children because of the chemo.

[caned & able]

Originally Posted by Arduinna

It's to protect your grandmother from getting sick, particularly from vax shedding. My oncologist told me to avoid anyone recently vaxed or sick.

YES!

This is the truth. I wish doctors would talk among themselves! I have been called a liar when I say this.

I hope you are better, Arduinna!

[Arduinna]

Thanks

I had cancer over 10 years ago and have been in remission long enough that I'm officially considered cancer free now.

[Ninetales]

Thank you all very much! My grandma's doctor got back to her and confirmed what you all have said.