Hi. I finish my chemo treatment this Saturday 28 September. I’ve had 12 weeks combined oxaliplatin infusion and the capecitabine tablets. I’ve been offered Covid and flu jabs by my gp on 12 Oct, do two weeks after treatment ends. I want the vaccines but is this too soon, Thanks
Dear Ouzo09
My name is Adele. I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question.
The Covid-19 vaccine information on the NHS website was updated earlier this month. The vaccine is offered, on the NHS, to people who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from Covid 19. This includes people who have a weakened immune system due to a treatment, such as chemotherapy. The NHS advice about the flu vaccine is the same.
The general advice is that people living with cancer should receive a Covid and flu vaccine. As the vaccines are not live, they can be given to people whilst they are on chemotherapy. We have more information about Covid vaccines and cancer on our website.
Sometimes people may have a reduced response to the vaccines if their immunity is low. We therefore would always recommend that you talk with your health care team about the best time for you to have the vaccines, as this does vary between people. The best people to contact for more information would be the chemo team or your specialist nurse.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Best wishes, Adele
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref AON/DK
