Vaccines and Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What do I need to know about vaccines and cancer?
Cancer and some cancer treatments can weaken your immune system. You may need vaccines to help protect you from certain infections. Vaccines teach your immune system to recognize and fight the virus or bacteria if you are exposed again.
How do I make a vaccination plan?
Your healthcare provider will use your cancer type, treatment plans, age, and vaccine history to help create your plan.
- Tell your provider your vaccine history. The history should include any recommended vaccines or doses you did not get as a child. Your provider will tell you which vaccines are recommended, and when to get them. Booster doses may be needed for vaccines given during childhood.
- Work with your providers to schedule any needed vaccines. If possible, get vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start cancer treatment. You may need to wait until 3 months after treatment ends if you cannot get vaccines before treatment. Some vaccines may be given during or after certain types of treatment. Your close contacts may also need vaccines or booster doses to help protect you. Providers can help you and your close contacts schedule all needed doses.
- Tell your provider if you know you are at high risk for certain infections. Your provider may recommend some vaccines if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Which vaccines are recommended for adults who have cancer?
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (flu) as an injection
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults 60 years or older
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap or Td)
- Zoster (shingles) in the non-live form (only available type in the US)
Which other vaccines may I need if I have another health condition with cancer?
Any of the following may be recommended, based on your other health condition:
- Haemophilus type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal (meningitis) ACWY or B
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) injection
Which vaccines should I avoid?
The following are live vaccines not routinely recommended for anyone with a weakened immune system:
- Influenza as a nasal vaccine
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Mpox
- Oral polio
- Rabies
- Rotavirus
- Smallpox
- Typhoid
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Yellow fever
- Zoster in the live form (no longer used in the United States)
What can I do to prevent infections?
Some infections cannot be prevented with vaccines, or you may not be able to get certain vaccines. Some are given in more than 1 dose. After you get a vaccine, your immune system may need at least 2 weeks to develop antibodies. Vaccines also do not guarantee full protection. They help stop infectious diseases from spreading and can reduce the severity of an infection. Do the following to avoid infections between doses and protect yourself from infections that vaccines cannot prevent:
- Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use soap and water every time you wash your hands. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away immediately. If you do not have a tissue, use the bend of your elbow. Then wash your hands well or use a hand sanitizer.
- Prevent person-to-person spread of germs. Ask friends and family to visit only when they are not sick. Avoid crowds as much as possible.
 |
When should I call my doctor or oncologist?
- You know or think you were exposed to an infectious disease.
- You have questions or concerns about your vaccine plan.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.