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Immunity and infection prevention

Vaccines

The main article (“Vaccines and treatment”) explains the general principles of vaccination. This topic looks closely at the practical side of vaccines for people with leukaemia: which are safe, when they are given and how to include the family.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Two vials side by side.
Figure 1.Inactivated and live vaccines.

01Short answer

Vaccines fall into two groups. Inactivated (non-live) vaccines, such as the seasonal flu injection, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines, cannot cause the disease and are usually safe, although with weak immunity the response may be weaker. Live attenuated vaccines can cause illness, so they are usually not given during treatment or for a period after a transplant. Timing matters: if possible before treatment or between intensive phases, and after anti-CD20 antibodies only once some time has passed. After a transplant, vaccinations are given again almost from scratch (“Immune memory”). Vaccinating family members protects the patient indirectly.

02Simple explanation

Inactivated: usually safe.

Live: usually not during treatment.

Timing and family matter.

03Scientific explanation

Response: after anti-CD20 antibodies and transplant, the antibody response to a vaccine can be very weak for a while, so your doctor plans the timing.

Family: the WHO calls vaccines one of the most effective public health tools; vaccinating people around you protects those with weak immunity.

04What happens in the body?

Two types

An inactivated vaccine cannot cause the disease; a live vaccine is risky with weak immunity.

A timing plan

Vaccines are planned around your treatment.

A calendar with marked months.
Figure 2.A timing plan around treatment.

A family shield

Family vaccinations create a protective circle around the patient.

A shield of light around a home.
Figure 3.Family vaccines protect you.

05A vaccination plan

Four steps.

Records — Vaccine history.1RecordsVaccine history.
Timing — Fitted to treatment.2TimingFitted to treatment.
Vaccine — Inactivated.3VaccineInactivated.
Family — Protect those around you.4FamilyProtect those around you.

06Types of vaccine

TypeDuring treatment
Seasonal flu (injection)Usually recommended
PneumococcalOften recommended
COVID-19Often recommended
MMR (live)Usually not
Chickenpox, yellow fever (live)Usually not

07Key terms

Inactivated vaccine
A vaccine without a live germ.
Live vaccine
A vaccine with a weakened live germ.
Revaccination
Giving a vaccine again.
Herd immunity
Protection through most people being vaccinated.
Antibody response
Making antibodies after a vaccine.

08Key points

  • Inactivated vaccines are usually safe.
  • Live vaccines are usually not allowed.
  • Your doctor plans the timing.
  • The response may be weak.
  • After a transplant, you start again.
  • Your family should be vaccinated too.

09Frequently asked questions

Will the flu vaccine give me flu?

The injection is not live and cannot cause flu; the nasal spray, however, is live.

Can I have travel vaccines?

Some are live; talk to your team before travelling.

Can my child have routine vaccines?

The schedule changes during treatment; the children’s team will advise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will the flu vaccine give me flu?

  2. Can I have travel vaccines?

  3. Can my child have routine vaccines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and immunization
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Immunization
  3. NHS. Vaccinations
  4. Lancet Infectious Diseases (ECIL-10), 2026. Community-acquired respiratory virus infections in patients with haematological malignancies or undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Fungal Diseases
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk Factors for Fungal Diseases
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Candidiasis Basics
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mucormycosis Basics
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pneumocystis Pneumonia Basics
  10. World Health Organization (WHO), 2022. WHO fungal priority pathogens list to guide research, development and public health action
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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