Hi - our HCN is currently on annual leave so unable to request Information from them: Have been taking Hydroxycarbamide daily for ET since Jan 2023. This will be the first Covid booster since treatment started. Presumably OK to have the booster (I'm under 75 but have been invited by the NHS due to immune suppressed) but is there anything I should watch out for? Pre-treatment boosters left me unwell for 24-48 hours. Any advice gratefully received.
Hi MDC,
Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.
Because covid vaccines are not live vaccines they are safe to have when your immunity is reduced and can be given during treatment.
Doctors usually recommend that people with cancer, or that have a weakened immune system as you mentioned, have a covid vaccination to reduce the risk of getting certain infections.
Having multiple covid vaccine doses gives you the best chance of protecting yourself from covid and protection against the virus increases with each dose for people with blood cancer.
We would always recommend that you speak with you specialist team about your vaccine, as they will be able to advise you when the best time would be to have yours. If your nurse is currently on leave then it might be possible to check with another member of your specialist team, or your GP.
Blood Cancer UK have some helpful information about the spring covid booster that you might find useful.
I hope this information is helpful and please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can support you further.
With best wishes
Heidi
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 email us.
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