Should people with cancer be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Many of us are terrified of the word cancer and still believe that it can’t be cured. However, contrary to popular belief, if cancer symptoms can be detected early, with therapy and medicine and proper consultation with the doctor, it can be properly cured.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of 2.21 million people to date.

Cancer patients, being one of the most vulnerable groups, have suffered greatly.

Throughout the uncertainty and fear-which severely affected not only cancer treatment but also cancer-related services, trials, and research-millions of lives, despite being at stake, were at a standstill.

Nobody knew whether cancer patients were at a higher risk of COVID-19 or not. With time, more studies were conducted and the answer was glaring: Yes, they were, to an extent.

When a study was conducted on 20,000 hospital inpatients taking age, sex, and some comorbidities into account, it was found that cancer was associated with an increased risk of dying compared to patients without cancer. The risk was lower when compared to patients with other conditions like liver disease or dementia, but it was notable.

The virus has created a never-seen-before risk for cancer patients: hampering treatment, chances of early diagnosis, and even remission. Not only that, as discussed above, in cancer patients, if contracted, the virus can have more severe effects. That is why, now that several vaccines are quickly becoming available, doctors and researchers worldwide are suggesting cancer patients get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible.

That said, there is still a lot of confusion and fear among cancer patients regarding vaccination. Should they go ahead and take it? Should they wait? Which vaccine is better for them? Which is not? Too many questions, too few answers.

The fear comes from the fact that the vaccines have not been tested on cancer patients. Also, there are some concerns because of the incredibly fast development and testing that has gone into creating the vaccine.

In this blog, we’ll attempt to answer a few questions and, if possible, mitigate the fear.

IS COVID VACCINE SAFE FOR CANCER PATIENTS?

EFFECTIVELY ANSWERED BY SENIOR ONCOLOGIST DR. MANISH SINGHAL

Should people with cancer get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Let us clear something up real quick, whether someone with cancer can get one vaccine or the other, or any vaccine at all depends on many factors.

People with cancer (or a history of cancer of any kind) can definitely get some vaccines. As mentioned above, it depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the type of vaccine, the type of cancer a person has/had, whether they are under treatment or in remission, and if their immune system is working properly. The best way forward for cancer patients is to consult with their doctor or a top oncologist before getting any type of vaccine.

Now that we’ve answered that impending question, let’s take a deep dive into the subject.

Should people undergoing active treatment for cancer be vaccinated against COVID-19?

The short answer, yes.

People with comorbidities, including cancer, are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Therefore, they are on the priority list to get vaccinated for the same.

According to ASCO, as long as any components of the vaccine are not contraindicated, patients undergoing cancer treatment can get the vaccine. Whether a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation, oncologists agree that with the correct strategy, they can get vaccinated.

Different experts rely on different strategies; including vaccinating between therapy cycles and after an appropriate waiting period for patients receiving stem cell transplants and immune globulin treatment. This will maintain the efficacy of the vaccination without hampering the treatment.

Should cancer survivors be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Cancer should get vaccinated. But they can be offered vaccination against COVID-19 on two conditions:

The components of the vaccine are not contraindicated.
The vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses.
IMPORTANT: Neither of the vaccines available in India, Covishield, and Covaxin, contain live viruses. (Source)

What other concerns are there for people with cancer who are vaccinated?

There is a lot of uncertainty, even today, around the extent to which immunocompromised cancer patients will develop immunity response to the COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, vaccinated cancer patients should continue to follow the current guidance, including wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, etc. to protect themselves from COVID-19 exposure. According to experts, although getting vaccinated will reduce the risk of infection or clinical COVID-19 disease in cancer patients and caregivers, there is no space for any slack. (Source)

Is it OK for cancer caregivers to get the vaccine?

Yes, it is. But, just like cancer patients, they should not get a vaccine with live virus. Why? Because that might hurt the patient/s in their care. (Source)

No need to worry, because to date, the vaccines available do not have live viruses and are safe for cancer caregivers as well.

However, one thing that needs to be noted is that although the caregiver getting vaccinated might not get infected by the virus, they might still pass it on to cancer patients. So, it is advised that caregivers maintain all social distancing, wear masks, keep washing/cleaning their hands while in contact with patients even after vaccination.

Which vaccine is safer for cancer patients?

In India, according to top oncologists, researchers, and experts, Covishield is a safer bet for cancer patients.

Why?

According to the fact sheet posted on Bharat Biotech’s website, Covaxin should not be taken if a person has allergies, fever, bleeding disorder, a weaker immunity, or are on a medicine that affects their immune system. (Source)

That is why Covishield, which does not have limitations against immunocompromised people, is a better option for cancer patients. (Source)

What are other ways that you can protect yourself?

Until vaccines are widely available and even after that, the most effective way to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 are to avoid exposure to the virus that causes it.

You already know how, but here goes:

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do it especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before and after coming in contact with others.
Stay home as much as possible.
Make sure you have access to several weeks of medication and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods.
Keep disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Wrapping it up

Expert oncologists agree that vaccines are safe and recommend cancer patients and caregivers receive the vaccine most suitable to them only after consulting their doctor. They also recommend continuing other preventative measures. As additional vaccines become available, cancer experts, patients, caregivers, and loved ones will need to take precautions and considerations for vaccination.

NOTE: Being the best cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, DR. Manish Singhal has continued to work with cancer patients through the pandemic. The reputed oncologist has guided cancer patients and survivors through uncertain times that the virus brought in. Now that vaccines are becoming available, the doctor suggests cancer patients consult an oncologist before getting vaccinated.

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