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People with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia are more at risk when it comes to viruses and infection. This is because the blood cells that help fight infection in your body haven’t developed correctly. With fewer cells to fight infection, you become more at risk of developing complications from illnesses like the flu.
There are lots of ways you can help protect yourself from infections and reduce your risk of developing complications. Things like regularly washing your hands, wearing a face mask and avoiding crowded places where possible all help to protect you.
Vaccinations also play a big part in protecting you from common illnesses so that you can continue living your life.
As someone living with WM, it’s a good idea to get the vaccines you’re offered, unless you’re advised otherwise by your doctor or healthcare team. Vaccines help your body to recognise and fight infections, either preventing illness or reducing your risk of developing complications.
Anyone living with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia in the UK should be offered:
Seasonal flu vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine (including all extra doses/boosters for the extremely clinically vulnerable). You can read more about COVID-19 vaccines and other ways to protect yourself here
Pneumococcal vaccine in the form of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevenar 13), followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV23 or Pneumovax) at least 2 months later (these protect against pneumonia)
Generally speaking, these vaccines are safe for people living with WM, but you should always discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare team.
Live vaccines are not recommended for people living with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia. Live vaccines use a weakened form of the germ that causes the disease. Although these types of vaccines are very effective at preventing disease, they can make people with weakened immune systems – like people with WM – ill.
This is because they contain a small amount of the germ. Live vaccines include:
If you are unsure if your vaccine is live or not, speak with your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
Although the standard shingles vaccine is not recommended because it is live, a non-live shingles vaccine is now available in the UK. This is called Shringrix and if you’re eligible for your shingles vaccine (between the ages of 70-79), you should ask your GP or healthcare team about getting Shringrix to help protect you against shingles.
