National Immunization Awareness Month: Why Vaccines Matter, Especially During Cancer Care
Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the important role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from preventable diseases. Staying current on recommended immunizations is an essential part of maintaining your overall health and helping reduce the spread of infectious illnesses within our communities.
For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, however, vaccination decisions may require additional planning. Certain cancer treatments can affect the immune system, making it especially important to discuss any vaccines with your oncology team before receiving them.
At Tennessee Cancer Specialists, we encourage patients to work closely with both their primary care provider and oncology team to ensure immunizations are received safely and at the appropriate time.
Why Vaccines Are Important
Vaccines help your immune system recognize and defend against specific viruses and bacteria before they can cause serious illness. Thanks to routine immunizations, many diseases that once caused widespread illness and complications are now far less common.
Depending on your age, health history, and lifestyle, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccines to help protect against illnesses such as:
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
- Pneumococcal disease
- Shingles
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for eligible adults
Keeping recommended vaccinations up to date helps protect not only your own health but also vulnerable individuals around you.
Why Cancer Patients Should Talk to Their Oncology Team
Cancer and its treatments can affect how well your immune system functions. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, and certain blood cancer treatments may temporarily weaken your body’s ability to fight infections.
Because of this, the timing and type of vaccines you receive may need to be adjusted.
Before receiving any vaccine, talk with your oncology team. They can help determine:
- Whether a vaccine is recommended during your treatment
- The safest time to receive it
- Whether it should be delayed until after treatment
- Which vaccines may be appropriate based on your individual care plan
These recommendations vary from patient to patient, making individualized guidance especially important.
Understanding Live and Non-Live Vaccines
Not all vaccines are the same.
Many commonly recommended vaccines for adults are non-live (inactivated) vaccines, meaning they do not contain a live virus and may be appropriate for many patients, depending on their treatment schedule.
Some vaccines, however, are live attenuated vaccines, which contain a weakened form of a virus. These vaccines are generally not recommended for individuals with significantly weakened immune systems because they may pose additional risks.
Your oncology provider will evaluate your treatment plan and overall health before making recommendations about any immunization.
Family Members Can Help Protect You
Vaccination isn’t only important for cancer patients. Family members, caregivers, and others who spend time with someone undergoing cancer treatment can also help reduce the risk of infection by staying up to date on their recommended immunizations.
This added layer of protection can be especially valuable for patients whose immune systems may be temporarily weakened during treatment.
Additional Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Infection
Vaccination is one important part of staying healthy, but it’s only one piece of infection prevention.
You can also help protect yourself by:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home when you feel ill.
- Practicing good respiratory hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes.
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Following any infection prevention guidance provided by your healthcare team.
These simple habits can help reduce exposure to illnesses throughout the year.
Personalized Care Includes Preventive Health
At Tennessee Cancer Specialists, we believe cancer care extends beyond treatment alone. Helping patients maintain their overall health is an important part of comprehensive cancer care.
Your oncology team works alongside your other healthcare providers to help you make informed decisions about preventive care, including vaccinations, based on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and individual health needs.
Protect Your Health Through Every Stage of Care
National Immunization Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to review your vaccination history and discuss any questions with your healthcare providers.
If you are currently receiving cancer treatment or preparing to begin treatment, always consult your oncology team before receiving any vaccine. Together, you can determine the safest approach based on your personalized care plan.
At Tennessee Cancer Specialists, we’re committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that supports your health during treatment and beyond.