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Nasal flu vac and immunocompromised relative: WWYD?

3 replies

totallynaive · 09/10/2013 21:40

This year's nasal flu vaccination is, unusually, live. This means, apparently, that my toddler should not have contact with an immunocompromised person for the next four weeks (given that it appears they need a follow-up). I hadn't taken this properly on board when I had him vaccinated, but I'm now worried because I regularly go to see my dad, who is old and disabled by various serious health problems, in order to look after his emotional wellbeing and support my mum too. (She is at the end of her tether caring for him alone far away). They really need me. I can't go without my toddler. We were planning to go this weekend as they are having a particularly bad time right now.

Their house is big with wooden and stone floors and high ceilings, my father has his own loo and washing area, and we sleep on a different floor to him. My toddler is super-healthy, never reacts to immunisations at all and is not sneezing or snotty. He does not have a raised temperature. Provided I don't let them get into physical contact with each other - which is not likely to happen anyway - I would imagine the chances of his passing on any element of the virus to my father are slim to nonexistent. Am I right to think we can manage this?

OP posts:
BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability · 10/10/2013 12:28

I am immunosuppressed and have a toddler who is due his this week. I've looked into it already and it should be okay, will go and find the CDC link now :)

BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability · 10/10/2013 12:32

pediatrics.about.com/od/immunizations/a/live-vaccines.htm

Basically its a weakened strain so not a risk unless they are severely immunocompromised, eg AIDS.

EdithWeston · 10/10/2013 12:35

Yes, the recipient of the immunisation might be mildly infectious, but the guidance I've seen suggests the risk is restricted to the severely immunocompromised (eg certain leukaemia patients) - the sort of people who you might think twice about taking a toddler to see at all during the virus season.

I think you'll need to talk to a HCP who knows your DF's immune status for specific advice. As talking about a third party isn't straightforward, could your ZdZf seek the advice and let you know?

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