– We have received an important question about the coronavirus vaccine from a number of readers who are undergoing cancer treatment or otherwise struggling with a weakened or compromised immune system. A reader from Naples, Florida said that shortly after her husband was fully vaccinated, a cancer diagnosis meant he began immunotherapy and chemotherapy, which suppressed the immune system. “Do you have any information on the level of protection enjoyed by cancer patients? ” she asked. “Interestingly, the CDC didn’t mention this group in their last published advice. I think this would be a significant issue to deal with for your chronicle, as there are unfortunately a lot of cancer patients.” Due to the need to first confirm that vaccines work in people with healthy immune systems, the initial studies of COVID-19 vaccines did not include people who are immunocompromised. And because we’re still in the early stages of vaccine deployment, it’s not yet clear how effective vaccines might be in these groups of people. While vaccines may not be as effective, it is still strongly recommended that most cancer patients, who are at increased risk of COVID-19, get vaccinated. Even a minimum of protection is better than nothing at all. Unvaccinated cancer patients should be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with their oncologist.

Thank you as always for taking the time to write to us. Please continue to take appropriate coronavirus precautions and, if you are eligible but have not yet done so, please get vaccinated.