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.
Each state has its own vaccine plan and schedule. People 16 and older with serious health conditions, such as cancer, and their caregivers are in higher priority groups. That means you should be eligible for a vaccine earlier than people your age who don’t have health conditions.
President Joe Biden has announced that he wants states to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all adults by April 19.
Many states have already made the vaccine available to anyone who meets the age requirements.
Three vaccines are authorized for use in the United States. They are called the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
- You must be 16 and older to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
- You must be 18 or older to get the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Your parents or others who serve as your caregivers may qualify as family caregivers, which are usually in a higher priority group for COVID-19 vaccination. Check with your treatment center or your state health department for more information.
Learn more about vaccine phases from the CDC.