Vaccination

Immune Protection on the Cancer Journey: The Importance of Vaccination

Cancer treatment is a demanding journey that requires tremendous physical and emotional strength, yet infection can become a major and unexpected disruption along the way. Infections that may seem ordinary in daily life—such as influenza, pneumonia, or shingles—can rapidly progress to serious complications when immunity is reduced, and may even force key cancer treatment to be delayed or interrupted.

Timely vaccination helps build an important layer of protection for people with cancer. It can not only reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of illness if infection occurs, but also help maintain treatment continuity, protect quality of life, and allow patients to face the challenges of cancer treatment with greater reassurance and confidence.

1.Reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

Immune function often declines during cancer treatment. Vaccination can effectively lower the chance of infection; even if infection occurs, it can substantially reduce symptom severity, hospitalization, and the risk of serious disease.

2.Help keep treatment on schedule.

Infection often forces chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other important treatment to be postponed or temporarily stopped. Timely vaccination helps maintain treatment continuity and may have a positive impact on disease control and long-term prognosis.

3.Prevent complications and long-term sequelae.

Immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop serious complications after infection, such as pneumonia or disseminated infection. Vaccination can significantly reduce these risks and their longer-term impact.

4.Protect both patients and their families.

When family members and primary caregivers are vaccinated as well, the chance of transmitting pathogens to the patient is reduced, creating a more complete household protection network.

1.Influenza vaccine (recommended annually).

Influenza virus strains change from year to year, so influenza vaccines are updated by season. In general, one dose each year is recommended to maintain effective protection. When patients with cancer acquire influenza during treatment or while immunocompromised, complications such as lower respiratory tract infection are more likely and the illness may deteriorate quickly. Household members are also encouraged to consider annual vaccination to reduce the chance of bringing the virus home.

2.Pneumococcal vaccine.

This vaccine can reduce the risk of pneumonia and bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and is commonly recommended for immunocompromised patients.

3.Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.

Shingles is more likely to occur when immunity declines and may be accompanied by prolonged nerve pain. At present, the non-live recombinant vaccine is generally more suitable for immunocompromised individuals because it offers more durable and safer protection. The most appropriate timing should be assessed together with a doctor.

4.Other vaccines.

In addition to the vaccines above, some individuals may also need or benefit from other vaccines, such as HPV vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, or hepatitis vaccines. Because cancer type, treatment, immune status, and infection risk differ from person to person, the need for vaccination and the best timing should be evaluated individually by a doctor.

Vaccination plans should be closely coordinated with the cancer treatment schedule to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Key considerations include:

1.Interaction between treatment and vaccination.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunosuppressive drugs may all affect the most appropriate time for vaccination and the resulting immune response. Patients should discuss an individualized vaccination plan with their treating oncologist before receiving any vaccine.

2.Choice of vaccine type.

Live attenuated vaccines (such as varicella vaccine) are generally not recommended during active treatment. Doctors will assess each patient and select safer options such as inactivated vaccines or recombinant protein vaccines where appropriate.

3.Recommended timing.

• If possible, complete vaccination 2 to 4 weeks before starting chemotherapy.
• If vaccination is given during treatment, it is generally preferable to schedule it during a recovery period in the chemotherapy cycle, such as 1 to 2 weeks before the next cycle.
• Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation require a separate post-transplant vaccination schedule.

4.Dosing schedule and follow-up.

Some vaccines require multiple doses, such as the two-dose shingles vaccine, or periodic boosters. Please complete the full course as advised and keep a record of vaccination dates for ongoing monitoring.

1.Vaccine safety oversight.

Vaccines suitable for patients with cancer have all been reviewed by medical authorities and are supported by clinical evidence. Most common side effects are mild and short-lived, such as pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue, and they usually resolve within a few days.

2.Individualized risk-benefit assessment.

The healthcare team will assess the potential risks and expected protective benefits of each vaccine based on your specific cancer condition, treatment phase, and immune status, and will make individualized recommendations.

3.How to prepare for a vaccination assessment.

If you have questions about vaccination or would like to arrange an assessment, please bring the following information to your consultation:

• your current cancer treatment regimen and medication record;
• and your past vaccination history, including any vaccination record booklet if available.

Our healthcare team will recommend suitable vaccines, the best timing, and any related arrangements according to your overall condition, and can refer you to an appropriate specialist when needed.