COVID booster shots

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
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
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Comments
I hadn't automatically included myself in those getting the booster shot when I heard it was announced .... but if they are offering it, it will give us better immunity .... so I guess I'd be getting it, as well as hubby who is on chemo!!
Thanks for putting it up!
i read that and it was unclear to me whether the relevant para referring to being on hormonal therapy was for those who are NED ( no evidence of disease) or only those who are in it because they are stage 4 or if it is before their surgery .
I agree that you would not normally think of someone who has finished all their treatment apart from hormonal therapy and is NED as severely immunocompromised.
But I will be checking with my medical team.
@Mez_BCNA , do you think the Cancer Council will put something out and then that can be added to the announcement post above about Covid 19 vaccination?
I am on hormone therapy so was interested. I guess I should ask the oncologist about this but seems that I should get that booster. My second dose was July this year so according to that information I would be eligible now. Certainly better for me to have that shot rather than covid.
I was doing radiation in between the first two AZ shots though so I was wondering if that might have reduced my response.
I finished what i call active treatment (chemo & rad)s in March 2020 and have been on Femara since then and am NED, although had a bit of a scare at annual mammogram (thankfully all good).
Would be good to know if I am considered severely immunocompromised as had not considered myself in this category.
Think I may contact my GP to find out what he thinks. Hopefully this will be clarified soon. In the meantime hope you are all staying safe.
She said it is really to bring us up to the level of antibodies other people (those without cancer/having treatment) would have got with two shots.
Double check if you need a letter from the Onc .... or that the recommendation is at least put to your GP in your report .... tho the chemist can access your Meds list via Medicare anyway and see what you are on. It would be Better for peace of mind tho, to have it in writing in case they turn you away!!
take care xx
@Keeping_positive1 - my Onc is the professional, so I trust her - she will be 'up' with all the latest Covid protection info for her patients. If she'd been advised that 3 x AZ were better for her patients, I am sure she'd be advising that instead. She said that the protection against covid is more effective (as I said above) by using a different one for the booster shot.
Please note there is an updated COVID-19 vaccine article to include information regarding the third dose. Please refer below link to My Journey (If you scroll down it is the second last drop down 'Can I get third dose of vaccine?'
https://myjourney.org.au/article/3455
If you have any trouble accessing the information please let me know or call the helpline 1800 500 258.
(This has been included in the COVID-19 Discussion thread as well)
@Southgirl I hope you can find somewhere local to you to get your third dose.