Forum Discussion
Cancer Australia FAQs COVID-19 Vaccine
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.
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.
62 Replies
- Thanks for that
- @Tracey96 I'm sorry you had a bad reaction. I've just seen think pink foundation have a webinar coming up re covid 19 vaccine. I don't know how to do a link but I have taken a screenshot of it.
- HI @Tracey96 - I am sorry you've had a big reaction to the 2nd Pfizer jab ..... it has happened to friends of mine, even tho young & fit & no health problems - they were crook for a few days.
Great that you contacted your medical team about the side effects. Great that you were checked out & monitored & at least 'have it on record' .....
I hope you feel better soon, take care xx - Just for clarification - The mRNA vaccines (including Pfizer) do not contain any live virus. Instead, they work by teaching our cells to make a harmless piece of a “spike protein,” which is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After making the protein piece, cells display it on their surface. Our immune system then recognizes that it does not belong there and responds to get rid of it. When an immune response begins, antibodies are produced, creating the same response that happens in a natural infection.
Yes I went to a GP thanks for your reply. My scar is the sore section today so I think the virus attacks our weak points, getting better day by day. Just curious if any cancer survivors suffer too?iserbrown said:@Tracey96
Recently I had a Mammogram in lead up to my review with Breast Surgeon. Prior to Mammogram I was asked a few questions and a few new ones.
Have you had a vaccination for COVID?
When?
Reason we ask is we find the lymph nodes are swollen if it's recent
Hope that helps!
As to chest tightness. Have you had a follow-up text on reaction to vaccination?
Have you considered going to the GP?
Take care- @Tracey96
Recently I had a Mammogram in lead up to my review with Breast Surgeon. Prior to Mammogram I was asked a few questions and a few new ones.
Have you had a vaccination for COVID?
When?
Reason we ask is we find the lymph nodes are swollen if it's recent
Hope that helps!
As to chest tightness. Have you had a follow-up text on reaction to vaccination?
Have you considered going to the GP?
Take care - It’s always wise to report side effects from any vaccination as soon as possible. Best to contact your GP to discuss and clarify. I had Astra Zeneca and very slight side effects but I know of a number of people, with no cancer history at all, who have had more obvious side effects from Pfizer, including their second shot. I hope it all settles down soon. Best wishes.
- 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
- 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.
- 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?
