Filenews 11 November 2021
Cancer patients have a serious risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease and therefore it is very important that they are vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule in order to protect themselves against SARS-CoV-2.
The Doctors of the Therapeutic Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Theodora Psaltopoulou, Yiannis Danasis, Panos Malandrakis and Thanos Dimopoulos (Rector of the University of Athens) present frequently asked questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients according to the www.cancer.net/covid19.
1) Should cancer patients be vaccinated?
YES. Cancer patients and with an individual history of malignancy should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Cancer patients have a higher risk than the rest of the population of developing serious complications of COVID-19. Therefore, protecting the vaccine against serious illness and death is of the utmost importance. Patient family members and patient caregivers are highly 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. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe for cancer patients. Few people may experience an allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine, which is why vaccines are given under medical and nursing supervision.
3) What are the side effects of vaccines?
The most common side effects of vaccines include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgias and arthralgias, febrile, colds, nausea and swelling (swelling) of lymph nodes. Side effects last a couple of days. More rarely, more serious side effects may be observed. Overall, however, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.
4) Can I be vaccinated while I am being treated for cancer?
Experts are investigating when is the best time to vaccinate patients receiving anticancer therapy. Some treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy may reduce the effectiveness of vaccination. Therefore, each patient should consult with the attending physician for the planning of vaccination against COVID-19. For example, vaccination can be carried out in the interval between treatments or after a sufficient amount of time has passed after a bone marrow transplant or treatment with CAR T-lymphocytes.
5) Should I continue to wear a mask, wash my hands and follow the rules of social distancing after being vaccinated against COVID-19?
NAI. Although vaccination reduces the likelihood of severe disease and hospitalization due to COVID-19, it does not eliminate the possibility of infection. For this reason, it is important that cancer patients continue to take all preventive measures against COVID-19 in their daily lives.
6) Can I be vaccinated if I have been sick with COVID-19?
Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 must 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 who received convalesced plasma or monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19 should wait 90 days before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
7) Do I need to make a booster dose?
Patients should follow the state's instructions regarding the administration of a booster dose in consultation with the attending physician.
