COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs and Guidance for Mass General Cancer Center Patients

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Cancer Center Patients

I have cancer. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The CDC has stated that people with cancer may receive the COVID-19 vaccines, as long as they have had no issues with getting vaccines in the past.

Should I get vaccinated if I am actively receiving cancer treatment or should I wait until my treatment course is done?

If your current treatment includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation therapy, you should talk with your care team in deciding when to get vaccinated.

In making your decision, you should consider your risk of exposure to the virus, what your chances of getting very sick might be if you do get the virus, and when you will finish treatment.

If you are done with treatment, you should get vaccinated. This includes patients who are still being seen as part of post-treatment or are thought of as being in the “survivorship” part of their journey.

Will the vaccines interfere with my cancer treatment?

No. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccines will affect your cancer treatment.

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccine Availability and Scheduling

Additional FAQs

View recommendations for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine after cancer surgery requiring lymph node removal under the arm.

For more information and FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit this page.

Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates