Stage Two Cancer Patient Determined To Take Covid-19 Vaccination
He is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and has referred to a doctor to seek clarification on vaccination risks in chronic patients.
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Malaysians are in danger.
Why? Because of the Covid-19 variants Delta and Delta Plus emerging, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
For those who don’t know, the Delta Variant is spreading fast, resulting in a surge of new Covid-19 cases worldwide.
Read more: 15 Seconds Is All The Delta Variant Needs To Infect You Says Health DG
This variant poses the “biggest threat” yet and has been reported in almost 100 countries. It is currently the most prevailing of Covid-19 variants – especially in counties like the United Kingdom, Portugal, South Africa, and Russia.
Now another variant, the Lambda, has emerged. It was first discovered in Peru in August 2020 and has since spread throughout South America.
Moral of the story? This is why Covid-19 vaccinations are so important.
Fighting the two C’s: Cancer and Covid-19
(Credit: Astro Awani)
In a report by Astro Awani, an elderly man known as Mohd Ibrahim Osman has voluntarily received the Covid-19 vaccination.
Ibrahim, who also suffers from stage two liver cancer, was determined to prepare himself with the immunisation shot for his protection.
The 70-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer and consulted with a doctor to seek clarification on the risks vaccinations may have for chronic patients like himself.
He has successfully completed both vaccination doses.
Cancer patients and Covid-19 vaccinations
According to the Clinical Guidelines on Covid-19 Vaccination in Malaysia released by MOH, even those with an incurable illness such as metastatic cancer are still recommended to get the Covid-19 vaccination unless the person is actively deteriorating with an estimated survival of less than 1 month.
Although data on safety for cancer patients is limited, there are many examples of vaccinations for vulnerable patients, including cancer patients in countries which rolled out the Covid-19 vaccine much earlier than Malaysia, that proved the benefits outweigh the possible adverse effects.
MOH’s guidelines therefore considers it beneficial for patients with underlying cancers to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.
- For cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy – the recommended timing for vaccinations is 3 months after completion or earlier up to the discretion of the oncologist.
- For those due to start chemotherapy, the recommended timing to complete vaccination is before and/or after surgery prior to oncology treatment.
- For those completing the last cycle of chemotherapy, the recommended timing to complete vaccination is 3 months after completing chemotherapy or earlier up to the discretion of oncologist.
If in doubt, speak to your oncologist.
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