 |  |  | | | | | Infections & Vaccinations | | | | |
| | Patients and parents of children with leukaemia and related conditions are sometimes concerned about infection risks and confused about which vaccinations a child/adult should receive and which, if any, they should avoid.
 | Infection precautions |
The body’s ability to fight infection can be reduced by blood cancers or their treatment. At these times it is wise to take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to infection. These precautions include:
 | Washing hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food |
| Making sure that all foods are handled properly, washed and thoroughly cooked |
| Following hospital guidelines concerning any high-risk foods |
| Drinking plenty of fluids every day to prevent urinary tract infections |
| Avoiding crowded situations and contact with anyone who has an infectious illness |
This information, subtitled Common communicable diseases - guidance for head teachers, nursery and playgroup leaders, includes advice on which diseases represent particular hazards to children and adults who may be particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are suppressed by disease or treatment. It is issued by Dr. K. Budewig, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine and Karen Campbell, Public Health Infection Control Nurse, both of the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board.
| Vaccinations |
It is important to seek specialist advice before having any vaccinations but the link below contains the official UK Government advice on immunisation.
The recommendations set out in the ‘Green Book’ are based on the current expert advice available to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), although in some circumstances they may differ from that contained in the vaccine manufacturers’ data sheets. These recommendations reflect present national immunisation policy.
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| Non-UK sources of information about vaccinations |
The following resources are produced by non-UK organizations; they are included because they offer more specific advice on vaccination recommendations for patients with haematological malignancies and related conditions.
This is part of a guideline produced by the British Columbia Cancer Agency(BCCA). I am not aware of a similarly specific document produced in the UK. This is a highly reliable source and there is no reason to think that the advice is not appropriate for the UK but, as stressed above, patients should always seek advice from their own specialist whenever possible.
This has been produced by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As with the BCCA advice, this offers specific recommendations for adults whose immunity may be affected by haematological malignancy or by treatment for such diseases. Once again this is a non-UK resource, and once again it should not be seen as a substitute for personal advice.
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