Leukemia, a malignancy of the blood and bone marrow, predominantly impacts the infection-fighting blood cells, heightening the risk of infections, including considerations around COVID-19 vaccination. Despite this, vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended for those with leukemia, as the danger posed by the virus supersedes any vaccination risks.
As a collective term for blood cell cancers, leukemia more frequently occurs in individuals above 55 years but is also a prevalent pediatric cancer in children under 15 years.
With projections of over 61,000 new leukemia cases by the National Cancer Institute in 2021, the condition is characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells, vital to the immune system.
Unfortunately, these atypical leukemic cells are immature and defective, compromising the body’s defenses. Consequently, individuals with leukemia are more susceptible to infections and their adverse effects.
To mitigate the more severe repercussions of COVID-19 in those with leukemia, health professionals advise that they adhere to vaccinations and preventive practices, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and regular handwashing.
This article will delve into the considerations surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and effectiveness for people living with leukemia.
Should people with leukemia get the vaccine?
Individuals with leukemia are considered at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 due to their compromised immune systems. As leukemia weakens the body’s defenses, those with the disease may be more susceptible to infections, including coronavirus.
Owing to these risks, authoritative bodies like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend that leukemia patients receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasize the importance of vaccination for immunocompromised individuals, including those with leukemia.
There are specific conditions known as contraindications that may warrant an individual to avoid certain medical treatments, including vaccines, due to potential harm. However, such contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination are rare, and most people with leukemia will not have them.
While there may be a diminished response to the vaccine in leukemia patients, vaccination can still offer significant protection by potentially lessening the severity of a COVID-19 infection.
Leukemia patients might also be prioritized for vaccination to ensure they get the vaccine as promptly as possible. The CDC also advises a third vaccine dose for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, a category that includes blood cancer therapies.
It’s vital for leukemia patients to consult with their healthcare providers about vaccine timing, especially if they’re undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Timing the vaccine properly may enhance its effectiveness and minimize risks.
Research, like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s National Patient Registry studies, continues to provide more tailored insights into the vaccine’s effectiveness and scheduling for those with weakened immune systems. This evolving knowledge assists in optimizing vaccine efficacy for leukemia patients.
Vaccine Efficacy in Leukemia Patients
Current research indicates that individuals with cancer, particularly blood cancer, may exhibit a reduced efficacy to COVID-19 vaccines.
A study from 2021 reveals that while a high percentage of cancer patients showed seroconversion after two doses of mRNA vaccines, those with hematological malignancies had significantly lower antibody levels.
However, around three-quarters of people with blood cancers were found to generate antibodies in response to mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in another analysis from the same year.
This analysis points out that, among the main leukemia types, patients with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, or chronic myeloid leukemia have better seropositivity rates post-vaccination than those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Research further documents that CLL patients often have a weaker antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 than the general population, especially those who are actively undergoing treatment.
It was also observed that CLL patients in remission or those not currently on treatment had a more favorable vaccine response in comparison to those under treatment. In addition, vaccine efficiency appears to be less in individuals receiving CLL-specific treatments.
Thus, it can be inferred that antibody response levels in individuals with blood cancers can fluctuate based on their treatment status, suggesting that vaccination timing should be discussed with healthcare providers.
Vaccine Safety for Leukemia Patients
Research, such as data from the LLS National Patient Registry, suggests that both blood cancer patients and survivors have similar COVID-19 vaccine safety and tolerability profiles as the general population.
Although data are sparse, ongoing indications from the CDC imply that it is both safe and recommended for individuals with preexisting medical issues, including those who are immunocompromised, to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting Vaccinated
Cancer patients are deemed a higher-priority group for vaccination; hence they’re advised to get immunized as soon as possible. Despite potentially reduced immune responses, vaccines can still afford some level of defense against COVID-19.
Nonetheless, patients should engage in dialogue with their healthcare providers prior to vaccination, taking into account variables like their current health status and treatment plans.
In the U.S., individuals can find vaccination sites through vaccines.gov or via their state’s health department.
Monitoring Safety and Precautions Post-Vaccination
Both vaccinated individuals and those awaiting vaccination should persist in preventive measures such as social distancing, regular hand washing, avoiding crowded settings and insufficient ventilation, and the continued use of face masks.
It’s essential that the patient’s close associates and healthcare personnel also get vaccinated and adhere to preventive protocols.
Patients are encouraged to heed their doctor’s medical advice and communicate any abnormal symptoms they experience. A review from 2021 suggests adopting gentler treatments, diminishing patient visits, fostering collaborative care in local settings or utilizing telehealth services to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure while ensuring the administration of effective treatments.
Summary
Individuals diagnosed with leukemia or other forms of blood cancer may have heightened vulnerability to infections from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the risk of developing more serious COVID-19 complications. As such, it is strongly recommended that individuals with leukemia receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest opportunity available to them. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to address any specific concerns and to determine the most beneficial vaccination strategy.
Current research underscores that while the immune response elicited by the vaccine in individuals with leukemia might not be as robust compared to the general population, the vaccine nonetheless offers a degree of protection. This protection is vital, as it can substantially mitigate the risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Safety assessments of the vaccine have affirmed its suitability for leukemia patients, consistently showing that the potential dangers posed by the COVID-19 infection surpass any risks associated with the vaccination itself.
