live vaccines for beta thal major kids?

Back when there was the H1N1 first big wave last fall in the U.S. I THOUGHT (but could be wrong) I remember that a few people with beta thal major kids were told they could get the shot, but NOT the nasal mist as it is a live vaccine.  I mentioned this to my hem. and he said he had not heard that before - he felt my son could get either version of the vaccine.  Hmm....now I'm wondering if those parents had kids who had issues with their spleens...
As a family we much prefer the nasal mist to the shot, as the nasal mist is thimersol free.  But, obviously, if the live vaccine were to pose a threat to our son, then we would opt for the shot.
Guess same thing appies to the seasonal flu shot in the fall. 
Any info. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nicole

Hi Nicole,

This was the recommendation from Ellis Neufeld, MD, the Chair of the CAF Medical Advisory Board.

"1.     If anything, the vaccine is even MORE important in thalassemia patients who might be required to come to the hospital for transfusion or for fever and get exposed to flu AT the hospital.

"2.    Point 1 is doubly important in splenectomized patients, because indeed they must come for evaluation if high fever and feeling lousy.

"3.      We don’t expect any immune system problems in combating the flu from thalassemia or chelation.

"4.      Fortunately, H1N1 pandemic flu doesn’t seem to be much worse in terms of severity or lethality than ordinary seasonal flu (except that children are disproportionately among patients who become severely ill). This is yet one more reason to immunize children as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

"5.     We always recommend seasonal flu vaccine too.

"6.      Flumist, the nasal vaccine, is probably appropriate for many thalassemia patients of appropriate age."

As always, CAF urges individuals to discuss any informaton found here, or any concerns about H1N1 flu, with their physicians.