COVID-19 Safety Tips for Cancer Patients

NOTE:  The following information was published Jan. 13, 2022. For current information, please visit LVHN.org/vaccines.

The medical community has come a long way in understanding the risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19. One of the greatest risk factors is having cancer.

“All major medical societies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have noted that patients with cancer are in a higher-risk category for severe illness,” says hematologist/medical oncologist Ahmed Nadeem, DO, with LVPG Hematology Oncology–Muhlenberg. “Many cancers and their therapies can weaken the immune system, decreasing its ability to fight viruses effectively. This, in turn, can lead to severe illness.”

With close to 2 million new cancer cases expected to be diagnosed this year, many individuals will find themselves at higher risk for COVID-19 than before.

“Knowing your risk factors, following vaccine guidelines and taking extra safety precautions are the best ways to protect yourself,” Nadeem says.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and protect yourself and those you love from severe illness. However, there may be optimal times for cancer patients to receive their vaccine (especially if they are currently receiving treatment).

“Guidelines have changed throughout the pandemic, but overall, we highly recommend that cancer patients get vaccinated,” Nadeem says. “If you are unsure about the best time to get your vaccine as a cancer patient, the best thing to do is contact your oncologist. Depending on your cancer diagnosis and the type of treatment you are receiving, there may be times when getting the vaccine will be most effective.”

When selecting a vaccine, it’s important to know that the CDC now recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines over the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to their higher rates of effectiveness and the rare (but severe) side effects from the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

While receiving the initial vaccine series is a great first step, individuals age 5 and older may need a third shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine 28 days after their last dose (depending on which vaccine they initially received).

“Getting a third shot provides even more protection for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals,” Nadeem says. “When your immune system isn’t working properly, it may not provide the initial level of response that we want to see. The third shot is given to improve your response to your initial vaccine series.”

You may be eligible if you:

• Are receiving certain cancer treatments that suppress the immune system, including certain types of chemotherapy, cellular therapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy
• Previously received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress your immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years
• Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
• Have advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Take high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress your immune system

If you fit into these categories, or if you are unsure, you should speak to your oncologist before signing up for a third shot.

At this time, booster shots are recommended for all individuals age 5 and older who have completed their initial vaccine series as early as two months after completing the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series and receiving the third dose (additional primary dose). Those who received an initial single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine should receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech booster instead of the J&J booster.

If you have cancer and are not considered moderately or severely immunocompromised, you are eligible for a booster instead of a third shot.

“While third shots improve your response to your primary vaccine series, the booster shot restores your protection against COVID-19 as it decreases over time,” Nadeem says. “As new variants emerge, we are finding that boosters are incredibly important for the entire population, but especially those who are at an increased risk for severe illness.”

While restrictions and safety protocols have relaxed nationwide, people undergoing cancer treatment may want to continue:

• Wearing well-fitting masks over their nose and mouth in public
• Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Washing their hands more often than usual
• Practicing social distancing, especially with individuals outside of your home and those who are unvaccinated

“We know that the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and while we have made major advances toward fighting COVID-19, it’s still incredibly important to take precautions to protect ourselves,” Nadeem says. “This is especially true for cancer patients and those who take care of them.”