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Covid vaccination

FormerMember
FormerMember
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I am in remission of non-hodgkin's lymphoma, but since I  first started chemo 6 years ago I have reactions to a wide range of foods/toiletries/medicines (sometimes randomly or to simple things such as water) which has become worse since I relapsed 4 years ago so put off having the vaccine. I also fear it will trigger another relapse - my cancer was only properly diagnosed when I was sent to guys hospital in london and saw a professor who had only seen it presented like mine once before.

I've been told that covid vaccination is mandatory for my job. I work for the nhs but work in a peripheral site not open to the public and have absolutely no contact with patients but they have decided that doesn't matter.  

I am absolutely terrified of having the vaccine. I understand that it is helping end the pandemic and am not 'anti-vax', but as it's new, I'm so worried about what it could cause. I only have 2 weeks to get my first dose and am having panic attacks about it. As I have never had a severe anaphylactic reaction, I'm not medically exempt so don't know what to do. One doctor will say not to have it and another will say yes I must have it. Has there been any conclusive studies about vaccines causing relapses? 

  • Hi ,

    Thanks for getting in touch with us. My name is Ellen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses who works on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It’s great that you’ve been in remission from your cancer for 6 years. But it’s understandable why have questions and you’re feeling terrified about the vaccinations given your history.

    Getting different opinions on whether you should get the vaccination will no doubt be adding to the way that you’re feeling just now. Lymphoma Action UK’s COVID-19 vaccination information states that “A consensus of UK lymphoma specialists also recommend that all patients with lymphoma should receive a non-replicating COVID-19 vaccine, unless there are particular reasons they can't have it (for example, if they've had serious allergic reactions in the past). The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Oxford/AztraZeneca vaccine, Moderna vaccine and Janssen vaccine are all non-replicating. However, these vaccines might not achieve full protection for people who have lowered immunity.

    They also have information about COVID and Lymphoma that can be helpful to read. Their videos and webinars hosted by an expert panel to help answer questions about the vaccinations for people with Lymphomas.

    One question asked is “Can having the vaccine ‘re-awaken’ or stimulate other medical conditions (such as pre-existing medical conditions) or blood cancers?”

    The answer posted is

    “There is no evidence from the clinical trials that pre-existing medical conditions can be ‘re-awakened’. It is not expected that blood cancer would be re-awaken or stimulate by the vaccine either, and it is not something that is seen with any other vaccine (for example, the annual flu vaccine). However, the MHRA is continually monitoring the safety of the vaccines during the roll-out. If there is any evidence that certain conditions can be re-awakened, this will be added to the Information for UK Recipients which can be found here: https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/productinformation

    We would encourage you to talk to your health care team about your concerns. They should hopefully be able to provide you with the reassurance that you need in terms of worrying about your cancer relapsing. If you still have a nurse specialist at the hospital it can be worthwhile giving them a call to talk about your worries.

    It’s not so good to read that you’re starting to have panic attacks about the thought of getting your first vaccination. Whilst the symptoms of a panic attack are not dangerous, they can be very frightening. If you’re feeling that your anxiety is getting out of control or that you can’t control your panic attacks, it’s important that you let your GP know so that you can get support. This NHS Information explains anxiety and panic attacks, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. It Includes tips for helping yourself.

    Talking to others is a similar situation can be helpful to do. We have a very supportive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma group that you can join.

    You can also call our Support Line on 0808-808-0000 and talk to one of our nurses. Our lines are open every day from 8am till 8pm.

    Take care

    Ellen-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

    Ref/AP

     

     

     

      

     

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