Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Am I really Clinically Extremely Vulnerable after Melanoma 3c, surgery and Pembrolizumab

Former Member
Former Member
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 448 views

My oncologist put me on the CEV list back in spring 2020 when Covid first struck the UK. Since then I've had numerous letters from the DHSC reminding me how to behave as a CEV. After almost 2 years living as a hermit, despite being double vaccinated and boosted, I still don't know why I have been classified as vulnerable. Pembrolizumab immunotherapy boosts the immune system rather than compromises it, surely? My scans have been clear since my surgery in 2019. I really want to know whether I need to be living this half-life or whether there really are clinical reasons for me to be shielding. Can you help? I'm really aware that these might turn out to be my final years of life, and it's upsetting to think that I may be missing out on a normal existence for no real clinical reason.

  • Hello FrenchLessons,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.

    It’s understandable to want to know if you should still be taking precautions, especially when you’ve been living like a hermit for almost 2 years.

    Although the guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 has been updated, it can be difficult to know what to do for the best.

    Some doctors are recommending that people more at risk, continue to take extra precautions, although ‘shielding’ finished in September last year.

    We’d recommend that you get in touch with your oncologist or specialist nurse, if you have one, for advice specific to you.

    As you say, pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy. It helps the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells, rather than to boost the immune system in general. Sometimes they can change the way the immune system works which means you can be at risk of infection. Melanoma Focus have produced a guide for people being treated for melanoma. They too recommend asking your hospital specialist team.

    Our online melanoma forum can be a good place to ask questions too.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Best wishes,

    Carole – Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

     

    Ref/** FM

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007