Booster shots

jintie
jintie Member Posts: 114 ✭
in COVID-19
So, government has announced that those undergoing active chemo, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy are eligible for the booster shots as they are severely immuno-compromised.

I am 2.5 years NED and I am taking hormonal therapy.  Silly question but does this mean I am eligible even though I am NED?  If yes - I didn’t realise that I would classify as severely immunocompromised. Doesn’t make sense….

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/10/atagi-recommendations-on-the-use-of-a-third-primary-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-in-individuals-who-are-severely-immunocompromised_1.pdf

Comments

  • Abbydog
    Abbydog Member Posts: 517 ✭
    Dear jintie,
    I'm in a similar position as you. Although I started a little later.
    I don't know if this helps.
    I asked my Onc prior to returning to work (as a nurse), if I should still consider myself Immuno-compromised.
    And he said no. My blood counts are all normal since finishing all treatments.
    I was concerned as, at work we get to look after many patients with infections.
    I've been back at work almost a year now, and have only had one cold.
    I presume I will get a booster, simply because I work in a hospital, when all the other medical staff do too.
    Hopefully your Doctors can help you with this, and hopefully your bloods are normal too.

  • Ermintrude
    Ermintrude Member Posts: 3 ✭
    I had been wondering about this too, as had never considered that being on hormonal therapy (Letrozole) caused me any sort of significant immunosuppression.  I'm also a healthcare worker I had first doses fairly early on so am due for a booster in December anyway, but just checked the ATAGI guidance again and it appears that as of today (3rd November) the advice has been updated to be much more specific in terms of which cancer drugs are immunosuppressive - and aromatase inhibitors are not specifically listed.  I suggest anyone trying to figure out if they need a 3rd dose checks the link below for the updated advice before discussing with your doctor if necessary:

    ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised | Australian Government Department of Health
  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,449 ✭
    I agree that I was not aware of any immunosuppression from hormonal therapy, but hormonal therapy is certainly on the ATAGI list as confirmed by my GP and the administering chemist. So I’ve had mine - I’d be due a booster in December so a few weeks earlier makes not much difference. 
  • Ermintrude
    Ermintrude Member Posts: 3 ✭
    It was on the list in the original version, but if you look at the detail in the new version published today it appears to have been removed.  I have emailed an enquiry for clarification.
  • Abbydog
    Abbydog Member Posts: 517 ✭
    An update, after seeing my Oncologist.
    He said I am eligible for a third dose.
    But he still does not consider me Immunocompromised.
    Ie following my treatment completion and blood tests. I am on Aromatase Inhibitors.
    So I am following up with my GP to have the injection.


  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,197 ✭
    My Onc too has said to get the booster .... but to wait the 6 months from the 2nd dose, as it will be more effective cover than if you get it 'early'.
  • Ermintrude
    Ermintrude Member Posts: 3 ✭
    Thanks arpie, that's useful to know.  Still currently unsure whether to get a 3rd dose now or a booster in 7 weeks time.  Assuming its the same injection regardless of the name, I think I'm happy to assume I'm not majorly immunocompromised by hormonal therapy and wait until booster time.

    Edited to add: Just found this previous thread  COVID booster shots — BCNA Online Network which was useful too.
  • cranky_granny
    cranky_granny Member Posts: 914 ✭
    I also sent in a request for information via gov website and they were very quick to respond. Very long winded answer. 
    I only had 6 weeks between My AZ shots so concerned I’m not at optimal cover. 
    Im still left confused but then these days it takes my brain a lot longer to absorb and keep information. 
    I have Oncology on the 20 dec so will be checking with them. 
  • Cath62
    Cath62 Member Posts: 1,482 ✭
    Hi, I had my booster after seeing my GP. My original vaccination was with AZ and I got Pfizer for the booster. My booster was given about 6 weeks earlier than the 6 month deadline. I live in QLD and with very little covid here and road border to open 17th December (or sooner) my GP recommended me getting booster now because they are expecting covid to rise dramatically in QLD.  While I got the booster 6wks before my 6 month deadline it also takes a couple of weeks to be effective so I am pleased to have that protection. Btw I wasn't really affected by the AZ Vaccine but the Pfizer really knocked me about.
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,197 ✭
    We've been told to get our boosters now - any time after 2 months (Pfizer as ours were AZ) as confirmed here too: 
    https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/11/third-covid-vaccination-for-people-with-breast-cancer/

    Interesting, @Cath62 - a few have been affected badly by the booster Pfizer!!   Fingers crossed, hubby & I aren't! 

  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,197 ✭
    We are both booked in on Wed, for booster shots.  

    Moderna has now been approved as a booster shot as well as Pfiser & AZ

    https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/moderna-joins-australias-vaccine-booster-program-and-covid-19-boosters-to-be-available-from-5-months
  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,449 ✭
    Good! Given I got my Moderna booster over six weeks ago!  Comms not Minister Hunt’s strongest suit!  

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