People undergoing active treatment for cancer and who receive the COVID-19 vaccine may need a third dose of the vaccine and/or booster dose. A third dose is given 4 weeks after the second dose, making the full series three rather than two shots. In contrast, a booster is given several months (at least 5 months) after completing the first vaccine series to boost the protection from the virus. People with MBC should consult their physicians about a vaccine schedule.
Read below for up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines, third doses, boosters, COVID-19 antibody levels in people living with cancer, and vaccine effectiveness after chemotherapy.
General Information About COVID-19 Vaccines In people With Cancer
- American Cancer Society: COVID-19 Vaccines in People with Cancer
- NCCN.org: 2021_covid-19_vaccination_
guidance_v5-0.pdf - The ASCO Post: NCCN Updates Recommendations on COVID-19 Vaccination and Preexposure Prophylaxis
- MD Anderson: Third COVID-19 Vaccine Doses for Cancer Patients
- Breastcancer.org: COVID-19 Vaccine Facts for People With Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Common Questions About COVID-19 for Breast Cancer Patients
COVID-19 Antibodies In People With And Without Cancer
- Breastcancer.org: Six Months After Second Pfizer Vaccine Dose, People With Solid Tumors Have Same COVID-19 Antibody Levels as People Without Cancer
