After a person gets the vaccine, the mRNA enters cells in the body and tells them to make copies of the COVID-19 virus’s “spike” protein (the protein that normally helps the virus infect human cells). The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA), which is a type of genetic material. To learn more, see “Recommendations for getting the COVID-19 vaccines” below. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has different recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccines, based on the type of vaccine, a person’s age, and whether or not they have a weakened immune system. But no vaccine is 100% effective, so some people who are fully vaccinated might still become infected with COVID-19 and get sick. They have also been shown to be very good at lowering the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19 if you are infected. Īll of these vaccines have been found to lower the risk of being infected with COVID-19. To learn more about these vaccines, visit the FDA’s website at. *A fourth vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), is no longer available in the US. The Novavax vaccine is authorized for people 12 years of age and older.The Moderna vaccine is authorized for people 6 months of age or older.The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for people 6 months of age or older.Three COVID-19 vaccines are available in the US.* These vaccines have received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA for the ages below: To learn more, see Vaccinations and Flu Shots for People with Cancer. Because of this, it’s best to talk with your doctor before getting any type of vaccine. There are some other types of vaccines that might not be safe for some people with cancer, but this depends on many factors, such as the type of vaccine, the type of cancer a person has (had), if they're still being treated for cancer, and if their immune system is working properly. (See “Should cancer patients and survivors get the vaccine?”) However, the vaccine might be less effective in some people with cancer. People with cancer (or with a history of cancer) can get the COVID-19 vaccine safely.
(*The NCCN is an alliance of many of the nation’s leading cancer centers that provides detailed guidelines on cancer treatment and cancer care.) Is it safe for people with cancer to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Since the situation for every person is different, it is best to discuss the benefits and possible risks of getting the COVID-19 vaccine with your cancer doctor, who can advise you.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) supports the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)* recommendation that all people with cancer should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Here we’ll discuss some of the questions people with cancer (or with a history of cancer) or the people caring for them might have about the COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines (also called immunizations or vaccinations) are available to help protect against COVID-19. (To learn more about COVID-19 and how it might affect cancer patients and caregivers, see Questions About COVID-19 and Cancer.)
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, continues to have an impact on many people, including people with cancer, their families, and caregivers.
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