COVID-19 Vaccine For Breast Cancer Patients And Survivors
COVID-19 infection has claimed the lives of many; the number of cases does not seem to decrease in various parts of the world. Although COVID vaccines have been introduced, there are various factors responsible for poor vaccination rates. Some of the factors include, not knowing if the vaccine is safe and its long-term efficacy, and whether individuals with other serious illnesses can get vaccinated or not. The latter includes individuals who are or have battled breast cancer.
If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment or have been treated, you may have various concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination. This article aims to clear all your worries, and help you prevent and fight against this deadly disease. But before, let us understand the COVID-19 vaccine and how it works.
About COVID-19 vaccines
You may have come across different names of the coronavirus vaccines, produced by various pharmaceutical companies. Although the molecular contents of the vaccine may be different, they all work by the basic principle of vaccination. The inactivated coronavirus or a part of the virus is introduced in the body to trigger your immune system. As the immune system fight backs, it produces particular cells (T and B cells) that remember the virus, and trigger the immune response faster and more intensely when you are infected with COVID-19.
Most vaccines available are given in two doses; the interval between these two doses may vary. These vaccines are effective in preventing the serious complications caused by COVID-19 infection.
The elderly, people with comorbidities and other serious illnesses have been prioritized to be vaccinated. However, some individuals, including breast cancer patients are in dilemma about vaccination.
Concerns of breast cancer patients and survivors
Breast cancer, as you may know, is usually treated with methods such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, etc. These treatments tend to decrease the immunity during and immediately after the treatment. Thus, you may be at higher risk of developing the infections and its associated complications. After the treatment is completed, your body requires a couple of months to a year to improve its immunity. So, you may be confused about getting vaccinated because you are not sure whether the vaccine is safe for your unique case. If it is safe, when should you get vaccinated?
First, let’s talk about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and other expert medical groups the leading vaccines are safe and for cancer patients and people with a history of cancer, and these patients should be prioritized for vaccination. As the vaccines do not contain live viruses, they can be used in individuals with weakened immune system. However, as each case of breast cancer is unique, you should talk to your oncologist whether vaccination is the right decision for you.
Moreover, the timing of vaccination depends on the type of the treatment you are receiving, the number of sessions/stage of the treatment completed, the adjuvant therapy you are receiving (if any), the surgery undergone, history of allergic reactions, etc. Your healthcare provider will be able to give more information and help you decide whether you should get vaccinated.
After getting vaccinated
The vaccines are expected to protect against the virus and prevent its serious complications. However, the level of this protection is not known, particularly in individuals whose immune system is weakened by cancer treatments. Hence, it is extremely important for these people to be strictly follow these precautionary measures:
- Wear a well-fitted mask
- Maintain social distance
- Minimise social interactions
- Avoid going to places where you cannot maintain social distancing
- Be extra vigilant about hand hygiene
- Keep your room/ home clean.
Expected side effects of vaccination
Till date, very few cases have reported serious reaction to the vaccines. However, you may experience some of the common side effects:
- pain and swelling in the vaccinated arm
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- Headache.
These side effects are normal body responses to the vaccine, which should disappear on their own in a few days. If not, consult your doctor immediately.
What is right for you?
The currently available vaccines are safe and effective for breast cancer patients, as recommended by the experts. If a vaccine is available, go ahead and get vaccinated, as it is a crucial approach to prevent the infection. This may delay some non-urgent cancer treatments until vaccination is completed and you recover from the side effects (if you experience them). The right person to help you decide about the vaccination is your healthcare provider, as the vaccination depends on the type of cancer treatment you are undergoing or have undergone, and your doctor is aware of your entire case. Thus, reach out to your doctor and get vaccinated soon.
References:
• Breast Cancer and the COVID Vaccine: What you Need to Know. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/breast-cancer-and-the-covid-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
• Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know. NIH National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coronavirus/coronavirus-cancer-patient-information#if-i-have-cancer-now-or-had-it-in-the-past-should-i-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): What People With Breast Cancer Need to Know. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/press_room/news/coronavirus#protect. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
• COVID-19 Vaccines in People with Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/covid-19-vaccines-in-people-with-cancer.html. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
• COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: What Patients Need to Know. Breast Cancer Research Foundation. https://www.bcrf.org/coronavirus-covid-19-and-breast-cancer-common-questions-and-answers. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
• Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If I Have Cancer? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-if-i-have-cancer/. Accessed on May 4, 2021.
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