Covid 19 vaccine and Cancer.

[Edwin Castle]

Hello all.

I live in Ontario and was hoping someone might have  information on the timing of your Covid 19 vaccine shots if you have Cancer. I have not heard anything.  The way things are going right now with the slow start to the immunization program I estimate that my turn for a shot will be around July or August. At 67 years old with BC but other wise health and active I am not in a big panic to get my shot as the longer I wait the more confident I will be in the Vaccine working properly.  I was just curious if anyone knew anything about this. Ontario is not in good shape right now with infection rates the highest they have ever been, so it is essential that everyone stay home and stay safe.

Have a good day Ted.

[Nightingale]

Hello Edwin,

I happen to be talking with my family physician today and he indicated that there is a good likely hood people (in their 60s) in the city of Hamilton will receive the COVID vaccination starting in May.  He indicated he would keep me posted as he learns more.

That is all I can share with you for now.

My best,

[Edwin Castle]

Good morning Nightingale.

I hope your Dr. is correct and we can get our immunizations  that soon. I am by nature a very skeptical person and believe May might be a little optimistic although we can hope and pray that the immunization process speeds up and we can get our shots sooner rather than later.

I did some research and could not find anything about Cancer patients, only chronic health issues. I do not know if Cancer is considered a chronic condition, It could be considered yes or no and may depend on your cancer type, treatments, immune system, and general health.  It is kind of a gray area that has not been addressed  by the powers that be, as far as I can tell.

If any one else has found info. on this  please let us all know.

Thank you all and stay safe. Ted.

[marysue]

Hi Edwin:

I think all the potential vaccine schedules are a little bit up in the air right now as we are dealing with shortages in many places.  In Alberta there are still debates/fights on who will get it and when.  Alberta’s numbers are starting to go down but I think it is in large part due to the second lock down which unfortunately a lot of people are getting fed up with and starting to defy which may change things yet again.  I think Alberta’s original plan was to vaccinate seniors in LTC and their care workers first, followed by hospital staff and first responders.  Alberta teachers are fighting to be moved up on the priority list because of schools remaining open and many are bouncing from online to back in school at various times. Many teachers work in more than one school which increases their risk so you can’t blame them for wanting to be moved up in priority.

We also now are in the debate about saving some of the current vaccine on hand to be second doses for the people that got the first dose already.  Most of us are mad at our premier as he doesn’t seem to have a concrete plan in place.  I’ll be 63 in April and am in good health so I’m guessing I will be considered part of the general population since I’m under 65.  I’m assuming that it will be summer or fall at the earliest that I will have the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Cancer can be considered a chronic health condition if it is one that you are continually receiving treatment for.  Many leukemia patients have a chronic condition.  I know of one young man that takes chemo pills daily to keep it in remission.  This is a type of cancer that doesn’t completely go away.  I’m sure there are other types as well.  Whether having had cancer or if you have cancer and how that affects your ability to have the COVID vaccine, I think requires a conversation with your GP and/or oncologist if you have one.  I plan to see my GP about it when the vaccine becomes available for my age group.  If he doesn’t have any answers, I will most likely contact my urologist.  I’m hoping by being in one of the last groups to receive the vaccine, I will have the benefit of seeing how it went for all those that got it ahead of me.

In the meantime, I’m doing what I can to stay safe – all the usual stuff in the memo that we all have by now – wear a mask, social distance as best you can, wash/sanitize hands regularly and staying home as much as I can. Thankfully, I’m nearly retired.  The remaining work that I am doing can be done from home so for most of my stuff I can choose when and if I want to go out.  All the best to you and everyone else.  Be well and stay safe. (((HUGS)))

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