Cancer Australia FAQs COVID-19 Vaccine

Giovanna_BCNA

Hello everyone,

Cancer Australia has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on input from cancer clinicians and people affected by cancer, including via a roundtable meeting of key cancer control stakeholders, consultation with consumer representatives and organisations, and queries and concerns raised in social media. 

The answers to these FAQs are based on information and evidence currently available in Australia and internationally. 
Please use the following link to access the FAQs as this webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer | Cancer Australia

Here is the Coronacast episode featuring
Prof Dorothy Keefe, CEO Cancer Australia with Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor.

Australian Government Department of Health Priority
groups for COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Phase 1b 

If you have further questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and your individual situation, please speak with your treating specialist.

Giovanna_BCNA

Hello everyone,

With regards to the Covid-19 vaccine, we have been asked if taking hormone therapy (endocrine therapy) is considered 'active treatment'.  Yes, taking Endocrine therapy is considered active treatment.

cheers Giovanna

Vangirl

Here's a link to the vaccine eligibility checker. At the end you can find a list of locations where appointments for vaccination can be booked.
https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

Sister

I do find it laughable that working in a school I was considered to be in too critical a position to be allowed to work from home (except time off with sick leave) but school support staff are not on the list with others in critical industries.  Oh yes...I'm forgetting the virus-proof forcefield that surrounds all schools - silly me.

Halla

Aren’t those with breast cancer more prone to blood clots? I’m scared of the AZ vaccine. Want to wait for Pfizer.

Afraser

I can understand hesitancy but I’m a lot more afraid of the virus if we have a third surge. Not just getting it but possibly passing it on to someone else. We’re not clear till the rest of the world is.  Like many, I never had a thought about getting breast cancer - statistically an awful lot more likely to occur than a very rare type of clotting. Everyone has to make their own choices, but there are risks with flu shots too.  Certainly talk to your oncologist about any increased risks, in regard to your particular case and treatment. Best wishes. 

Julez1958

Hi there
i am 62 and have had my first dose of Astra Zeneca.
So has my mum (87) and husband (63 with a stent so an underlying medical condition).
I am with AFraser , much more worried about getting COVID-19 than side effects from the vaccine.
but by all means check with your Dr first.

sooziqu

Halla said:

Aren’t those with breast cancer more prone to blood clots? I’m scared of the AZ vaccine. Want to wait for Pfizer.

I felt the same as Tamoxifen side effects can include blood clots.  But now it seems that the Pfizer one has issues with blood clotting too!

Halla

I’m reconsidering...my GP says I should have it, and that the radiation oncologist might require me too before that starts.

Afraser

There are blood clots and blood clots - they are not all the same. The ones associated with AstraZeneca are rare and we now know a lot more about treating them, even if they do occur. Most of those who have experienced clots are out of hospital and OK. I’m getting my second AZ in three weeks and will join the 1.1% (today’s figures) who are full vaccinated in Australia. Which in June 2021 is really disappointing. Vaccination is the only way to bring this virus to heel - we will still have it, but wide vaccination will significantly reduce the need for other damaging, or just inconvenient, measures. 

Glynnis

Sorry rant coming up I’m just really annoyed. 

I was told even though I have breast cancer which is control and have been told the pfiser is the better one for me to have I have also been told that I dont meet the criteria for the pfiser jab, yet I have just seen the Queensland premier getting her pfiser jab, she is 51 so over the 50 age group, so why is it good for one and not another? 

iserbrown

My understanding is the Premier is planning on travelling to Tokyo and must be vaccinated to do so!

Annastacia Palaszczuk defends Pfizer vaccine choice ahead of possible Tokyo Olympics trip | Annastacia Palaszczuk | The Guardian

June1952

Agree !  She knew ages ago she was possibly going to Tokyo so she could have been proactive.  We are in the 'old' category but, after a whole month after the AZ, and risking the allergic reactions and side-effects, we are still only 30% protected ... say no more ... "Not Happy Jan" ... only us 'oldies' would know what that is all about !!!

Kash

My GP advised me not to have the vaccine in the arm that I've had lymph node clearance on. There's a possibility you could get lymphedema. If you've had both- then you can have it in your thigh.
Has anyone else been given this info?

Afraser

It’s standard advice to avoid injections, including blood tests, and blood pressure readings on a lymphoedema affected arm, so I assume this warning is a cautionary extension. Lymphoedema is unusual if under five nodes have been removed, but there is no hard and fast rule. Even if you have lymphoedema (as I have) a blood pressure reading or a jab isn’t necessarily harmful but best to avoid. 

Tracey96

I had  2 Pfizer shot last Tuesday. Awoke Thursday with bad swelling in lymph nodes under my right arm then Friday swelling on my left side too which is my mastectomy scar side and 13 lymph nodes were removed. There's also a tightness in my chest wall does anyone else suffer from side effects? My cancer treatment was 9 years ago didn't think I'd have issues