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If you’re living with Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia (WM), your immune system might not work as well as it should — which means you could be more at risk from viruses and infections like the flu.
The good news is, there are simple things you can do to help protect yourself and stay well. Washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask in crowded places, and avoiding large gatherings when you can all make a real difference.
Vaccinations are also really important. They help your body recognise and fight off infections, which can lower your risk of getting seriously unwell. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, it’s a good idea to have the vaccines you’re offered — they’re there to help you live life as fully and safely as possible.
Anyone living with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia in the UK should be offered the following vaccines. Generally speaking, they are safe for people living with WM, but you should discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare team.
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)
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.
If you’re aged between 70 and 79, you may be eligible for the shingles vaccine. While the standard version isn’t recommended for people with WM because it’s a live vaccine, there’s now a non-live option available in the UK called Shingrix.
If you’re eligible, speak to your GP or healthcare team about getting the Shingrix vaccine — it’s a safer way to help protect yourself against shingles.
