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Covid vaccines and flu vaccines pre mastectomy surgery

Craft mad
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I am awaiting the results of biopsies before a firm date for surgery is arranged.  I will be seeing the consultant for this on 11th August.

I have seen notices about getting the Autumn flu vaccine and the Covid Vaccine, but I would not want to do this if this would hinder my forthcoming surgery.

Is there any rules regarding such vaccines prior to mastectomy.  I am anticipating that reconstruction will be delayed as my BMI is too high, but I am seeing the plastic surgeon on the 17th August, so will know then if that will be done at the same time.  I very much doubt it though from speaking to the Brest Cancer nurses.

  • Dear Craft Mad,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch with us at Macmillan and welcome to our online community. I can see that you are a member of our Breast Cancer Forum and hope that you have found this supportive.

    My name is Suzanne and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Waiting for results can be an anxious time but it is good that you are thinking ahead about your Covid-19 Vaccination.

    In general terms it is much safer to make sure that your vaccinations are as up to date as possible going into breast cancer treatment.

    When to have your Covid-19 Vaccination if you are due to have any kind of cancer treatment is a very individual decision. It is therefore important that you speak to your specialist team about the timings of any vaccinations to make sure that you have them at the safest time.

    As regards your surgery, our information on breast surgery and reconstruction may help you to be prepared . You may also want to think about any questions you want to ask when you see your consultant in August. It can often help to write these questions down.

    I really hope this information is helpful but please feel free to get in touch again or give us a call on the support line if you have further questions.

     

    Best wishes and take care,

     

    Suzanne, 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/**SF/HC

     

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