It’s important that cancer patients get the COVID-19 vaccine when they’re eligible — and that they get the information they need to feel comfortable with that decision.
“Our patients have been very excited to get the vaccine,” says OSUCCC – James Chief Medical Officer David Cohn, MD, MBA. “They’re motivated to be with their families again and to hug their grandchildren.”
Cohn explains that the vaccine “supplements your body’s natural immune system” to prevent the virus and/or reduce the symptoms. Because COVID-19 can lead to severe complications, being vaccinated is important for everyone, and even more essential for cancer patients, who may have weakened immune systems due to treatment, which puts them at a higher risk for severe complications from the coronavirus.
“To have a response to the vaccine, you need some level of an immune system, and virtually everyone has some level of an immune system, including cancer patients,” Cohn explains.
While Cohn recommends the vaccine for the vast majority of people, there is a small sub-group of cancer patients who should delay their vaccination — those undergoing bone marrow transplants. “In order to get a bone marrow transplant, you have to eliminate the natural immune system entirely in order for the patient’s body to accept the transplant.” Cohn says. He adds that, around 30 days after a transplant when a patient’s immune system has recovered sufficiently, and after getting a physician’s go-ahead, these patients should be vaccinated.
Which vaccine should cancer patients get? This is a common question, and one that has a simple answer, according to Cohn.
“I would say any vaccine is better than no vaccine,” he explains. Register for a vaccine as soon as possible, and accept whichever of the three is offered. “I wouldn’t wait for one specific vaccine. The way out of this is for the great majority of the population to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Our patients have been really motivated and excited to be vaccinated.”
