Vaccines produced with inactivated viruses are recommended, while vaccines with attenuated viruses are not recommended, due to the weakened immune system.
During cancer treatment, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy can weaken the patient’s immune system, increasing the risk of infections.
This is because these medications can also target healthy cells, including those in the bone marrow. In this way, there is a drop in the production of blood elements, reducing the levels of white blood cells (the body’s defense cells against infections).
Because of this, many cancer patients may need to be vaccinated again against diseases for which they may have already been vaccinated.
Common infections during this period
According to information from the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm), among the risk infections for cancer patients, influenza and pneumococcal disease (PD) stand out. For these patients, the risk of developing the invasive form of PD is 12 times greater (compared to the general population) and increases even more if they are using immunosuppressive drugs.
In relation to influenza, the risk of hospitalization is four times greater and vaccination is capable of allowing a 58% reduction in relation to all cases of mortality in vaccinated patients with solid or hematological cancer.
But it is important to highlight that patients must receive vaccine doses before starting cancer treatment (it depends on the oncologist’s assessment and the type of vaccine, live or attenuated). Inactivated vaccines must be administered two weeks to four weeks before starting treatment.
Recommended inactive vaccines
Inactive vaccines are produced with dead bacteria or viruses, or just parts of the infectious agent. That is why they are considered safe for cancer patients.
Below, we list the main indications for vaccines, but it is important to discuss with your doctor which ones are really recommended, as they may vary from case to case.
Influenza
All cancer patients over six months of age should receive the Influenza vaccine annually.
Family members should also receive the flu vaccine, as by protecting themselves, they also protect the patient from contracting it.
Where to get vaccinated: UBS, CRIE (Reference Centers for Special Immunobiologicals) and private vaccination services.
Pneumococcal
The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent serious lung, blood, or brain infections caused by bacteria. Generally, cancer patients should receive two types of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines should be administered 2 weeks before chemotherapy, but it is important to discuss them with your doctor beforehand.
Where to get vaccinated: CREATE and private vaccination services.
HPV
The HPV vaccine protects against several types of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer and can be indicated for cancer patients.
Where to get vaccinated: CREATE: women aged 9 to 45 and men aged 9 to 26.
Private vaccination services: from 9 years old, according to the leaflet recommendation.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine helps fight infections caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), also known as “infectious hepatitis.” In most cases, hepatitis A is a benign disease; however, the symptomatic course and lethality increase with age.
Where to get vaccinated: UBS, CRIE and private vaccination services.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine prevents liver infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen and saliva, as well as through contaminated objects.
Where to get vaccinated: UBS, CRIE and private vaccination services.
Vaccines not recommended
Vaccines developed by bacteria or live attenuated viruses, such as dengue vaccine, yellow fever, herpes zoster, mumps rubella, BCG, are not indicated, as the patient’s immune system is not strong enough to form a rapid immune response, Therefore, there is a risk of developing the disease they are supposed to protect against.
Furthermore, any history of severe allergy to any component of the vaccine may contraindicate the administration of an immunizing agent.
Is it possible to get a vaccine against Covid-19?
Also according to Sbim, all Covid-19 vaccines available today are inactivated, so there are no contraindications.
SBIm has a vaccination guide for cancer patients that can help. Click here.
