Cancer patients have a serious risk factor for serious COVID-19 disease, so it is very important to get vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule to protect against SARS-CoV-2. The Doctors of the Therapeutic Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Theodora Psaltopoulou, Giannis Danasis, Panos Malandrakis and Thanos Dimopoulos (Rector of EKPA) present frequently asked questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients according to www.cancer.net/covid19.
1) Should cancer patients be vaccinated? YES. Cancer patients with an individual history of malignancy should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Cancer patients are at greater risk than the rest of the population of developing serious complications of COVID-19. Therefore, protecting the vaccine against serious illness and death is paramount. Patients’ family members and patient caregivers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 to create a social “bubble” of protection around the patient.
2) Are vaccines safe for cancer patients? YES. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for cancer patients. Few people may have an allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine, which is why the vaccines are given under medical supervision.
3) What are the side effects of vaccines? The most common side effects of the vaccines include pain at the injection site, diarrhea, headache, myalgias and arthralgias, fever, chills, nausea and swollen lymph nodes. The side effects last for a few days. Rarely, more serious side effects may occur. Overall, however, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.
4) Can I get vaccinated while being treated for cancer? Experts are investigating when is the best time to vaccinate patients receiving anti-cancer treatment. Some treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Therefore, each patient should consult their treating physician when planning a COVID-19 vaccination. For example, the vaccine may be given between treatments or after a sufficient period of time after a bone marrow transplant or treatment with CAR T-lymphocytes.
5) Do I have to continue to wear a mask, wash my hands and follow the rules of social exclusion after my COVID-19 vaccination? NAI. Although vaccination reduces the chance of serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19, it does not eliminate the chance of infection. That is why it is important for cancer patients to continue to take all precautionary measures against COVID-19 in their daily lives.
6) Can I get vaccinated if I have COVID-19? Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 should also be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination is expected to increase the level of protective antibodies against the virus and provide additional protection against re-infection. Patients receiving recurrent plasma or monoclonal antibodies as treatment for COVID-19 should wait 90 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
7) Do I have to take a booster dose? Patients should follow the instructions of the State regarding the administration of a booster dose in consultation with the treating physician.
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