COVID-19 vaccination information

Can people with a cancer diagnosis access a reserved COVID-19 vaccination appointment? 

Yes. Victoria has reserved COVID-19 vaccine appointments for people aged 12 years and over deemed to be vulnerable and at high risk from COVID-19, including people with or recovering from cancer. COVID-19 vaccination is highly recommended for people with cancer. If you are undergoing treatment, we recommend you consult your treating specialist or doctor regarding optimal vaccination timing.

What vaccines are available for COVID-19 in Australia? 

There are four COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia – Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Novavax. All vaccines have passed Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration’s assessment and approval processes that assess vaccine safety, quality, and effectiveness. 
 
They do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and therefore there is no risk of catching the infection from the vaccines. 
 
All individuals should follow Australia-wide advice on which vaccines to take, based on their age and medical history.

Who is eligible to get their vaccination? 

COVID-19 vaccines are free and currently available for everyone aged five years and over.  

For more information on who can get their COVID-19 vaccination, see www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated

 Are the vaccines safe? All four vaccines - Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca - have passed Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration’s assessment and approval processes that assess vaccine safety, quality and effectiveness. They do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and therefore there is no risk of catching the infection from the vaccines. All individuals should follow Australia-wide advice on which vaccines to take, based on their age and medical history.

What is the recommendation for patients with cancer? 

Some types of cancer and their treatment increase the risk of catching COVID-19 and having a more severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 is therefore highly recommended. 

How your immune system responds to the vaccine may be influenced by your own general health and your cancer treatment. We know from studies of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with cancer that the level of response or protection from vaccination may be lower compared to people without cancer. 

The following steps that you have taken to reduce your risk of infection are important even after a vaccine and include:

• Physical distancing
• Hand hygiene 
• Use of masks 

Such measures help prevent infection. In addition, early testing if you develop symptoms is important as there are treatments available that could help reduce the severity of infection.

Who should not use the vaccine? 

All individuals should follow Australia-wide advice on which vaccines to take, based on their age and medical history. 

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, or to a particular type of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should discuss the type of reaction you had with your doctor. You may be referred to specialised vaccination clinics for further assessment and, if suitable, for vaccination under close supervision.

 Will they interfere with cancer treatments? While it is ideal to get vaccinated before starting treatment, a patient receiving cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) can still safely get vaccinated. Your doctor will be able to discuss timing of vaccination with you, as with some therapies it may be preferable to avoid vaccination during certain treatment periods. This is to avoid confusion around possible side effects and whether they have been caused by the vaccine or your cancer treatment.

What is the recommendation for patients with blood cancer? 

People with a blood cancer diagnosis (myeloma, lymphoma or leukaemia) are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19 infection. Vaccination against COVID-19 is therefore highly recommended if the person does not have a serious allergy to components of the COVID-19 vaccine.

When should I be vaccinated if I have had a stem cell transplant? 

For patients who have had an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant, vaccination is recommended at least three months after your transplant. Even if you have been vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the transplant, re-vaccination with three doses after your transplant is recommended. 

What are the side effects? 

Common side effects from the vaccine have typically been mild and short-lived – like pain or redness at the injection site. Up to half of all vaccinated people will experience some general side effects such as tiredness, headache and muscle aches and fever. 

You should seek medical advice if, for example, you develop a fever, with shivering and sweating or if unexpected symptoms such as severe headache or chest pain appear or persist following vaccination.

 Can I get the influenza and the COVID-19 vaccine? The current recommended gap between a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines is at least seven days.

If I have had a severe reaction to vaccinations before, what should I do? 

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, or to a particular type of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should discuss the type of reaction you had with your doctor. You may be referred to specialised vaccination clinics for further assessment and, if suitable, for vaccination under close supervision.

How or when can I receive these vaccines? 

The COVID-19 vaccines are available in state-run vaccination centres, general practitioners and community pharmacies. Visit the Department of Health website for more information.

Where can I find more information? 

• Australian Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine webpage 
• Cancer Australia’s FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines 
• Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 vaccines 
• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 vaccines 
• Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080, and ask for an interpreter if needed 
• Contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20, for information and support services to anyone affected by cancer. Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need a translator to use this service, call 13 14 50 

COVID-19 vaccines in other languages 

When enough of us get vaccinated against COVID-19, life will be better for everyone. 

See links to information and videos in languages other than English.  

It is encouraged that you share these vital messages with your friends, family, colleagues, and social media networks.

Are cancer patients eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine? 

As the level of response or protection from COVID-19 vaccination may be lower in people with cancer compared to people without cancer, it is recommended that most cancer patients get three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide the best immunity. If you have completed two doses, a third dose is recommended, two to six months following your second dose. The Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI) released a statement on October 8 recommending a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are severely immunocompromised.