Cancer patients should consult their doctros before opting for COVID-19 vaccination
A : The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are very similar to many other vaccines , with local tenderness and redness , slight fever , and fatigue being quite common . Occasional allergic reactions have occurred in susceptible people , emphasising the need for qualified supervision of the vaccination programme . Long-term side effects are , of course , a critical question to which there cannot be a clear present answer . However , the technology behind the vaccines is well established , and we are reassured by the experience of similar vaccines , including the new mRNA vaccines ( gene therapy-based vaccines ) which have been extensively trialled as cancer therapies . Overall , it ’ s clear that the side effects of these vaccines are predictably consistent with other vaccines .
Q : How effective are the vaccines and will they protect me against new COVID-19 strains ? Are there long-term side effects ? A : Yes , current vaccines appear to be effective in the large trials undertaken . However , it ’ s too early to comment on their durability and overall effectiveness , particularly on new strains of the virus and whether boosters will be required , but this is constantly being monitored by researchers and large teams of medical professionals . All vaccines are monitored after registration and approval by both active and passive surveillance through group research and postvaccination feedback with ongoing reports of side effects and adverse events . The global nature of this disease means we will have answers to these questions quickly while continuing to not compromise on safety and quality standards . At present , it ’ s also too early to speculate what the long-term effects might be , but there ’ s nothing to suggest the COVID-19 vaccines will behave any differently from vaccines we already have .
Q : For groups of people who cannot be vaccinated , how can they protect themselves from COVID-19 ? A : If patients on active cancer treatment have been advised to not receive the COVID-19 vaccination , it ’ s important they try to surround themselves with people who are vaccinated . A high population of vaccinated people will help to indirectly provide protection for those unable to receive the vaccine , reducing the risk of transmission . As part of the Ministry of Health ’ s vaccination rollout , all Icon doctors and team members have been vaccinated in order to sustain healthcare resources and an ongoing COVID-19 response , and , most importantly , to ensure the safety of both essential workers and our patients . It ’ s also essential for patients and the wider community to continue practising stringent personal hygiene and public health measures .
Q : Can patients in remission receive a vaccination ? A : It will depend on several individual factors . Administration of the vaccine should be considered with the guidance of the patient ’ s oncologist . Like with any vaccine , the take-home message is to always be informed and seek qualified advice from your doctor . n
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com APRIL 2021
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