COVID-19 Vaccine and Chemotherapy

[ParchWoody]

Guys just wondering if anyone has had a Covid-19 vaccine and on Chemo? How have you felt? Any side effects? I’m on a trail chemo and my oncologist said go ahead, along with the trial drug company. I’m due to have Oxd/AV on Saturday. A nurse at Cancer Hospital said her experience of staff having vaccination have been ok but a few have had a high temp and headache. Just wondered what people’s experience has been post vaccine jab? Thanks guys for your time. Take care. Richard

[simlut]

Hi Richard, my dad had his last chemotherapy and immunotherapy the 8th January and had his vaccine Saturday just gone 30th January.He’s had no symptoms other than his arm ached a little the next day like when he has the flu jab xxx

[JanetteR57]

Hi Richard,I'm not on chemo but had lobectomy some years ago for lung cancer. I had my vaccine on 19th Jan - no problems at all. you may find this useful.... roycastle.org/covid-19/info...

[Lita04]

Hi Richard. I am in active chemo & took the Covid vaccine over a week ago, with the approval of my oncologist & pulmonologist. I didn’t seem to have any adverse side effects, maybe a little more tired than normal, but as a chemo patient how do we really know? 😉 I have not had a fever & am so thankful I was able to get the vaccine. Blessings on the new clinical trial & victory over this evil disease!Janet

[magstherunner]

Hi. Not a direct answer to you question but I hope is useful. I've not had my vaccination yet but had an appointment which I checked with my chemo team. I have been advised by my nurse to re- arrange the appointment as near before my next chemo date as possible (although obviously not on the same day!!). This is because the chemo lowers immune levels and these need to be at their best when having the vaccine. Sorry not aware of all the technical terms but taking this advice seriously and have asked for my vaccination to be rescheduled as a result. Good luck. Mags

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

HI RichardEveryone has given good advice and JanetteR57 has provided the link to our questions and answer on the vaccine.

There is further information on this link from GOV UK on the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine including side effects: gov.uk/government/publicati...

As you know everyone is different in experiencing side effects to any medication and some specialists have advised that the vaccine is given before chemotherapy but it is best to check with your own oncologist to see what they advise.

If you would like to discuss anything you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team