Comments on: “Are Flu Shots and Swine Flu Vaccines Safe After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Jackie

By: Cheryl Irvine

Cheryl Irvine — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:05:22 +0000

Adam, I am 5 weeks MVP with regurgitation post-op and just today saw my surgeon for my follow-up. I asked about getting the H1N1 flu shot and he said getting one should not be a problem. He too was vaccinated. Cheryl, Ontario, Canada

By: Janet

Janet — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:08:36 +0000

Adam: I had an aortic valve replaced with a bovine one on June 8. I just had a visit to my dentist for my regular 6-month checkup. He told me to take an antibiotic an hour before my visit which I did. He discovered an abcess on one of my teeth and said that tooth was not worth trying to save with a root canal and he would have to pull it. My question is have you or anyone had this type of surgery and how long should you take antibiotics prior to the extraction? Thanks, Janet

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:36:28 +0000

As a note on this subject, I’m having arotic heart valve surgery in December, & was told by Cleveland Clinic Heart Dept. not to have flu shot any later than 3 weeks BEFORE surgery.

By: Duane Brown

Duane Brown — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:47:51 +0000

Swine flu vaccine many years ago killed many more people than the swine flu itself. I’m wondering why that was and if there can be a similar result this time.

By: Dale P.

Dale P. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:39:25 +0000

Sean, I’m having the same surgery on Monday (11/2/09), using the same materials, and I’m just a little bit younger than you are. Would love to hear about your experience.

I’ve been asking everywhere for an H1N1 shot for me and my family, and nobody has any (or admits to it, anyway). I’m in greater Boston. If anybody has a lead on some, please let me know!

By: Sean R.

Sean R. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:07:25 +0000

I had my 60-year-old aortic (bicuspid) valve and aortic root replaced in Aug. 2008 with a bovine tissue valve and an aortic root dacron graft. I had the regular flu shot about 2 weeks ago – no problems. I will have the H1N1 shot tomorrow. My doctor said to go ahead with both.

By: Richard Canaan

Richard Canaan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:31:28 +0000

I had surgery on 30 Sept. Had pig valve put in with major aorta repair. I was released from Dr. Starnes office 26 October to return to my local cardiologist. I to asked the question about the H1N1 shot before leaving the office and the answer I recieved was – do not get the H1N1 shot.

Welcome other comments to help me decide…

Rich

By: Wilmer Brown

Wilmer Brown — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:32:52 +0000

My Aortic valve was replaced with a Mechanical one on 2 June o8. On 27th of October 08 I had my flue shot and it did’nt bother me. My Doctor has told me that being over 65 i can get by with just the regular flushot.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:58:47 +0000

Flu shots (both seasonal and H1N1) are a good idea as most of us are in a higher risk group for secondary infections. Both types of injectable flu vaccines are made in the same manner. In fact, if the H1N1 virus had been discovered sooner it would have been included in the seasonal vaccine and there would not have to be separate injections.

The flu mist (nasal vaccine) may not be acceptable though, for those of us that are considered to have “Heart disease.” Be sure to ask your doctor.

I work as an RN in Public Health, so have had to do a lot of research on this matter. Always talk to your personal physician to ensure the right care for you individually.

By: George

George — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:57:54 +0000

Great question – I had been asking myself the same question over the past couple of weeks. I am happy somebody asked it, and I value the answer of the Doctor from the Cleveland Clinic. Although I trust my Family Practioner – I would bet the Cleveland Clinic would have more up to date information on it. Thanks again!