TODAY I WANT TO ADDRESS VACCINES FOR THOSE WITH CANCER.
First, I am a physician who helps individuals with cancer.
Several have recently asked me about vaccinations.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has new guidelines for adults with cancer to get vaccinated.
Infections Are A Big Peril For Those With Cancer
I begin with this disturbing observation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology:
Infections are the second most common cause of non–cancer-related mortality within the first year after a cancer diagnosis.
Of course, the risk varies by type of treatment and the patient’s underlying immune system status.
This finding explains why I (and other oncologists) should focus on helping our patients stay current.
New Study Evaluating Vaccines
An expert panel reviewed the clinical literature, including 24 systematic reviews, 14 randomized trials, and 64 non-randomized studies.
The panel evaluated vaccinations for the following:
- COVID-19
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tdap
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Human papillomavirus
- Polio (inactivated)
- Rabies
New Vaccination Guidelines for Those With Cancer
Here are the takeaways:
- Step #1. Determine the patient’s vaccination status.
- Step #2. Make sure adults newly diagnosed with cancer (and their household contacts) are current on seasonal and age or risk-based vaccines before starting their cancer treatment.
Patients with vaccination gaps would ideally receive their vaccinations two to four weeks before cancer treatment begins; however, non-live vaccines can be given during or after treatment.
Special Cases
Adults with solid and hematologic (blood) cancers traveling to an area of risk should follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) standard recommendations for the destination.
Hepatitis A, intramuscular typhoid vaccine, inactivated polio, hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal, and non-live Japanese encephalitis vaccines are safe, but please confirm with your doctor.
Please check with your cancer care team for those with stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy, and B-cell-depleting therapy.
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