COVID-19 Vaccine advice for Canopy patients
Canopy cancer care recommends that all cancer patients get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is supported by many international expert medical groups.
The Cancer Society is urging people with cancer to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible. “Overseas experience supports the majority of cancer patients receiving the vaccine as soon as possible,” says Cancer Society Medical Director Chris Jackson. “The vaccine is low risk, while COVID remains a higher risk.”
What we know is that people with underlying health conditions such as cancer put them at a greater risk of developing a serious illness from the virus. Therefore, the benefit from the vaccine is believed to outweigh the risk.
Leading UK oncologist Sanjay Popat has fronted the short video below to highlight the importance of protecting people with cancer.
The vaccines do not contain a live or weakened version of the virus, so there is no risk of contracting COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Your Oncologist will be able to advise you of the risks and benefits of the vaccine and decide on the best timing of the vaccine for those receiving chemotherapy.
The specifics of when and where you will receive the COVID-19 vaccine are yet to be finalised by MOH / DHBs.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine visit the Cancer Control Agency:https://teaho.govt.nz/cancer/covid19