COVID Vaccine

More research is needed to be able to give full guidance regarding Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in cancer patients. Immunocompromised patients or those taking immunosuppressive medications, which may include individuals with cancer, were not included in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial. According to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine  product label, immunocompromised individuals, including individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have a diminished immune response to the vaccine. It is important to speak to your healthcare team to discuss further medical advice receiving this vaccine.

Vaccine Rollout

Helpful Links:

Guidance on the prioritization of initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine(s)
Preliminary guidance on key populations for early COVID-19 immunization


Flu Shot

There may be an interaction between the influenza vaccine and medications to treat cancer.

  • immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or for transplant recipients)
  • medications to treat cancer (e.g., carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, vincristine)

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them.

It’s important to speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.