There appears to be conflicting information on whether you should have the covid and flu vaccinations whilst having chemotherapy. What is the advice of the Macmillan experts specifically on this issue and what is your scientific reasoning behind the decision. Also should the vaccinations be given at the same time or would it be safer to stagger them for immunocompromised people.
Hi Alwayshope,
Welcome to the Macmillan Online Community. I’m Kirstine, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here. I can see you have been connecting with others already – I hope you are finding this a warm and welcoming place to seek advice and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support are not a research organisation, but we do make every effort to follow the most up to date, evidence-based guidelines in our information and advice. The official guidance around having vaccines for covid19 and flu during chemotherapy treatment has been fairly clear and unchanged since early in the pandemic. Lots of people have felt anxious about them but they are absolutely fine to have as long as you meet the criteria that the immunisation staff will go through with each patient at presentation.
For your peace of mind, vaccines are recommended to be given even during chemotherapy but the timing of those should be given some consideration. The UK Chemotherapy Board adopted expert advice compiled by Guy’s and St Thomas hospital in 2021 that suggest avoiding having a vaccine on the day of chemotherapy, and where possible aim to have the vaccine in the week or few days just before the next cycle is given. This is believed to maximise efficacy and immune uptake. We do know though that people on chemotherapy may have a slightly reduced immune uptake from a vaccine and not have as much protection as the general population. The general thinking is that some protection is better than none.
There is no reason why you cannot have both vaccines on the same day. The recommendation is to have one in each arm if possible. Mild side effects for a few days after any vaccine is normal and these would be discussed at the clinic. There is no evidence to say that having two together increases side effects afterwards and is preferable for most people as it prevents the person having to go through them twice. Each individual is free to choose to have them separately if they prefer though.
The Green Book is the government endorsed guidance regarding all vaccines given in the UK and is formulated from an extensive scientific evidence base. There is specific guidance in chapter 7 on the Immunisation of individuals with underlying health conditions, and you’ll find information on Covid 19 vaccine in chapter 14a, and influenza in chapter 19. Macmillan would defer to this quality of information when giving advice around vaccines.
I hope this is useful for you. Please don’t hesitate to come back if we can help with anything else.
Best wishes,
Kirstine – Macmillan
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 KDf/ HK
