{"id":362,"date":"2021-05-25T07:47:47","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T07:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drpragnya.com\/blog\/?p=362"},"modified":"2021-05-25T07:47:51","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T07:47:51","slug":"covid-19-vaccine-for-breast-cancer-patients-and-survivors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drpragnya.com\/blog\/covid-19-vaccine-for-breast-cancer-patients-and-survivors\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 Vaccine For Breast Cancer Patients And Survivors: What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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COVID-19 Vaccine For Breast Cancer Patients And Survivors<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 Vaccine For Breast Cancer Patients And Survivors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About COVID-19 vaccines<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns of breast cancer patients and survivors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Breast cancer<\/strong><\/a>, 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After getting vaccinated<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n