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.

Booster Jabs - C-19

Gurnboy
  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 317 views

Hi

I was diagnosed with a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) back in Jan this year and am currently bashing through an adjuvant Imatinib course of treatment, all going well so far. 

I'm struggling to get a clear answer from my GP or the GOV website as to wether I require a further C-19 booster due to weakened immune system (Ive had my first and second dose, followed by a booster in December last year). 

Can you point me in the right direction?

Many thanks

  • Hi

    Thanks for getting in touch with our online community. It’s good to hear your treatment is going well so far.

    There seems to be a lot of confusion around whether people are eligible for the fourth dose (booster dose) of the COVID vaccine. Getting the vaccine organised is proving to be quite tricky too for some people.

    The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are advising that people who had a severely weakened immune system at the time of their first and/or second vaccine doses will be given a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This should be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose. It sounds as though you have had these 3 doses of the Covid vaccine so far.

    Following the discovery of the Omicron variant JCVI recommended also that severely immunosuppressed individuals who have completed their primary course (3 doses) should be offered a booster dose (fourth dose) with a minimum of 3 months between the third primary and booster dose.

    The decision about who is eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine is to be made by the person’s consultant. The advice states that specialists should take responsibility for providing clear advice to the person’s GP about the need for a fourth dose along with advice around the timing of this.

    We’d recommend discussing this guidance with your GP and hospital consultant.

    I hope this information is helpful.

    Take care

     

    Paula H, 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/JL/PH

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

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2024 © 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: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. VAT no: 668265007