Hep C and Flu shots

[EyesofBlue55]

Just went to get a flu shot from a local merchant here in town(cheaper here than going to the dr) They wont give me a flu shot because my viral load is so high.I thought that viral load was not an issue unless you were tx'ing??? I thought it was recommended that receive one.I live in Ga and there is high incidences of flu already.

[Susan_1a_CC]

It may have something to do with the fact that this years flu shot, is both for whatever strain of flu they've predicted as well as a vaccine for H1N1.  Don't blame the pharmacist - she's just covering her bass.

[EyesofBlue55]

I had to fill out a consent form giving the pharmacist the info.There were questions on it and one of them was"Do you currently have-this and that and hepatitis?I answered yes-heck I didnt know anway she asked me if I knew what my viral load was and I told her..She said shed have to wait and see if my dr would give clearance on it since the vl was very high.I thought the same thing.I didnt think vl meant anything unless you are txing.

[copyman]

agree with the others.

Go to a different drugstore, etc to get the shot and don't say anything about having HCV. It has nothing to do with getting a flu shot.

[nygirl7]

Totally agree with the comments above. After having the real flu in 1999 and experiencing what it is really like - I certainly listen to the doctor and since we have a chronic disease always get my shot. Not only does it protect you but it protects those around you then too.  

I get a good laugh when people come in to work after two days off and tell me 'oh i had the flu' ok dude you didn't...........if you get it you will certainly see the difference. That's what scared me about  the 'flulike sides' we could supposedly get - boy as bad as the sides were they were nothing like having the flu for 72 weeks I would have quit before dealing with that!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Trinity4]

Hepc or viral load has no bearing on whether or not a person is eligible for a flu shot.
You didn't really need to tell them you had hepc and certainly not anything to do with your viral load number. That was way to much info for a health care worker who is administering flu shots in a store.

Go to another store, say nothing and get your flu shot.

Trinity

[SusieS2010]

Yes, why do they even know you have a viral load. That makes no difference at all. I've been getting flu vax for years and no one ever asked me my viral load or even if I have hep C.

[meakea]

How did they know your viral load is high?  Usually you go in and get a shot with a few basic questions (such as do you have a fever?).  How did they know your VL was high?

[Susan_1a_CC]

I have a high viral load and was able to get the recommended flu shot.  Possibly, a note from your doc saying it's okay will relieve any concern of liability from your local merchant?  If not, you may have to just lay out the bucks and get one from your doc.