Can adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients get the COVID-19 vaccine? What about their family caregivers?
The answer: It depends. Your care team will likely let you know if and when you should get the vaccine. If you are unsure, make sure to ask your doctor.
Everyone 12 years old and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Three vaccines are authorized for use in the United States. They are called the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Where Can Cancer Patients and Caregivers Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
You and your caregivers may be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the hospital or clinic where you get treatment. If not, there are likely several locations in your community. Your care team can let you know. The national VaccineFinder website might be a good resource.
When Is a Person Considered “Fully Vaccinated?”
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks or more after they have received the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or 2 weeks after they have received 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Do Cancer Patients Still Have to Follow Precautions Such as Wearing a Face Mask After Being Fully Vaccinated?
Yes. CDC recommendations do not apply to health care settings, such as hospitals and clinics. They apply to the general public in non-health care settings.
AYA cancer patients are considered high risk. They must not receive visits from their fully vaccinated grandparents (or others) without using a mask and keeping a physical distance of 6 feet or more.
Find more information about CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people in non-health care settings.
Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccines
