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Covid vaccine and immunotherapy
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Covid vaccine and immunotherapy

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Covid vaccine and immunotherapy

  • Post
    • December 8, 2021 at 3:39 pm
    Christinad
    Participant
      I’ve been putting off getting my second Covid vaccine since starting immunotherapy May of this year. I’m terrified of the unknown affect the vaccine can have on the immunotherapy medications and/or immune system. I’ve read several articles that say cancer patients should get the vaccine but can’t find anything that says it is 100% safe while on immunotherapy. There are a lot of unanswered questions. My gut has been saying don’t get it until more research has been done. I fear hyper tumor progression will occur if I get the vaccine + have immunotherapy on board due to overactive immune system. I’m probably worrying for  nothing but have to make a decision because I’d like to go back to work soon and can’t do so without the vaccine because I work in healthcare. My oncologist said it is fine to get the vaccine. I searched the forum and saw this topic has come up quite a bit. Anyone have anything new to share?
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        • December 8, 2021 at 6:15 pm
        ed williams
        Participant
          • December 8, 2021 at 7:58 pm
          Christinad
          Participant
            Thank you, Ed!
            • December 9, 2021 at 12:06 am
            Bubbles
            Participant
              I have been working as a medical consultant for the three COVID vaccine sites run by my local health department since Jan.  I advise folks with questions as part of my job.  If you have cancer, have had any sort of cancer treatment – you – more than many – are in need of a full set of COVID vaccines, in order to protect yourself from life threatening effects should you contract COVID.  As such, you are at no greater risk of side effects from the vaccine than any other person.

              Putting my money, my health, my family where my mouth is – every member of my family has been vaccinated and had their boosters.  I have had my first two initial doses as well as a third primary dose since my doctor directed me to do so, as I have had actual chemotherapy for a cancer other than melanoma.  Per CDC guidelines, I will be getting a booster dose 6 months after that third dose as it was considered as part of my primary series as an immunocompromised person.

              There is absolutely NO data to suggest that the COVID vaccine would cause tumor growth.  That is coming from a medical professional AND a patient who has two cancers for the vaccine to choose from!  HA!  So – you have to do what you think is best.  But, it would be a damn shame to beat melanoma only to be taken down by a virus.

              Take good care.  Bless our dear Ed, for always coming up with the goods!  I wish you my best.  c

              • December 9, 2021 at 5:42 am
              Ireland1
              Participant
                Bubbles – just wanted to thank you for all your input on this board.  You manage to provide lots of evidence based information in user friendly posts and we’re very lucky to have you here.
                • December 9, 2021 at 7:33 pm
                ed williams
                Participant
                  This study from Israel came out this week, interesting data for COVID-19 vaccine two shots vs booster group with break down by age groups. https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2115926?articleTools=true
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