Table of Contents
Which Vaccines Are Safe During Chemotherapy: Flu, Pneumonia and Shingles Shots
By Dr. Gajendra Kumar Himanshu
During chemotherapy, some vaccines are safe and may help protect against serious infections. The flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia, and recombinant shingles vaccine are generally considered suitable for many people with cancer because they do not contain a live virus. However, the right vaccine and the best time to take it depend on the type of cancer, chemotherapy schedule, blood counts and overall health.
In this blog, we are talking about which vaccines can be given during chemotherapy, including flu, pneumonia and shingles shots. We will explain which vaccines are usually safe, why timing matters, which live vaccines may need to be avoided and what patients should discuss with their cancer doctor before getting vaccinated.
Why are vaccines important during chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can lower the body’s ability to fight infections. Some cancer treatments can reduce white blood cells, making it easier for infections to become serious. Vaccines can help lower the risk of some infections and may also help prevent treatment delays caused by illness.
For practical information about managing treatment and staying well, you can also read our blog on chemotherapy side effects.
Are vaccines safe during chemotherapy?
Many vaccines are safe for people with cancer, but not every vaccine is suitable during chemotherapy. The most important difference is whether the vaccine is live or non-live.
Non-live vaccines, including inactivated, recombinant and conjugate vaccines, are generally safer for people with a weak immune system. However, the immune response may be weaker during chemotherapy, so the vaccine may not work as well as it would when the immune system is stronger.
Live vaccines contain a weakened form of a living germ. These are generally avoided in people with significant immune suppression because they may cause infection.
Is the flu shot safe during chemotherapy?
Yes, the inactivated flu shot is generally recommended for people with cancer, including many patients receiving chemotherapy. It helps protect against influenza, which can be more serious in people with a weakened immune system.
Patients receiving chemotherapy should use the injectable flu vaccine rather than a live nasal spray flu vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine contains a live, weakened virus and is not recommended for people with weakened immunity from cancer treatment.
The best time for the flu vaccine can vary. Your cancer team may choose a time when your immune system is more able to respond to the vaccine.
For more information about how chemotherapy affects the body, you can read our blog on How Chemotherapy Works.
Is the pneumonia vaccine safe during chemotherapy?
The vaccine commonly called the pneumonia vaccine is usually a pneumococcal vaccine. It helps protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including some cases of pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis.
Pneumococcal vaccines are non-live vaccines and are used for people with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system. Cancer and immunosuppressive treatment are among the conditions considered in pneumococcal vaccination guidance.
The exact vaccine and number of doses depend on age, previous vaccination and health conditions. Your doctor can decide which pneumococcal vaccine is needed and when it should be given.
Is the shingles vaccine safe during chemotherapy?
The recombinant shingles vaccine, commonly known as Shingrix, is non-live and can be used for adults with weakened immune systems. People with cancer may have a higher risk of shingles and its complications.
When possible, the shingles vaccine is often given before chemotherapy starts. If this is not possible, doctors may give it when the immune system is less suppressed or when the body is expected to give a stronger response. Patients receiving medicines that strongly affect B cells may need special timing.
Which vaccine is usually considered during chemotherapy?
The table below gives a simple overview of the vaccines most often discussed during chemotherapy, their type and what to keep in mind for each one.
Vaccine | Vaccine type | During chemotherapy | Important point |
|---|---|---|---|
Flu shot | Inactivated | Generally suitable | Usually given every year |
Pneumococcal vaccine | Non-live | Generally suitable when indicated | Schedule depends on age and health |
Shingles vaccine | Recombinant, non-live | Generally suitable when indicated | Timing may need to be planned around treatment |
Nasal flu spray | Live | Generally avoided | Not recommended for people with weak immunity |
When is the best time to get a vaccine during chemotherapy?
Timing is important because chemotherapy can temporarily weaken the immune response. When possible, some vaccinations are planned before chemotherapy begins. If treatment has already started, the oncology team may choose a time when the immune system is less suppressed. However, there is no single vaccination schedule that works for every cancer patient.
The timing may depend on the chemotherapy medicines, treatment cycle, blood counts, cancer type and the risk of catching the infection. Do not delay or schedule a vaccine on your own without discussing it with your cancer team.
Which vaccines should be avoided during chemotherapy?
Live vaccines are generally avoided when the immune system is significantly weakened. Examples can include certain live vaccines used for diseases such as measles, chickenpox and some forms of influenza vaccine. Whether a particular vaccine can be given before or after chemotherapy depends on the patient’s condition.
Patients should also tell their doctor about previous vaccines, allergies, recent infections and all medicines they are taking before receiving a vaccine.
Can family members get vaccines?
Yes, keeping close family members and caregivers up to date with recommended vaccines can provide an extra layer of protection for a person whose immune system is weak. The cancer care team can advise if there are special precautions for a particular live vaccine given to someone living with the patient.
What should patients remember?
The flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine and recombinant shingles vaccine are generally considered safe for many people receiving chemotherapy because they are not live vaccines. However, safe does not mean that the same vaccine and timing are right for everyone.
Before getting any vaccine, speak with your oncologist. Your doctor can look at your cancer treatment, blood counts, immune status and infection risk and decide what is appropriate.
If you want to learn more about chemotherapy, then you can visit the official website of the National Cancer Institute.
Consult Today
If you are receiving chemotherapy and are unsure about the flu, pneumonia or shingles vaccine, discuss it with your cancer care team before getting the shot. At Oncare Cancer Hospital, patients can discuss vaccination, infection prevention, chemotherapy schedules and supportive care with the specialist team based on their individual condition.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss decisions about vaccination, its timing or any other part of your cancer treatment with a certified cancer healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many patients can receive the inactivated flu shot during chemotherapy. The best timing should be decided by the oncology team.
Pneumococcal vaccines are non-live and are generally suitable for patients who need them, but the correct vaccine and timing depend on the individual patient.
The recombinant shingles vaccine is non-live and can be given to many adults with weakened immunity. Your doctor may plan the timing around chemotherapy.
Live vaccines are generally avoided when the immune system is significantly weakened. Always ask your oncology team before getting any vaccine.
Written and Verified by:
Dr. Gajendra Kumar Himanshu Exp: 10 Yr
Medical Officer
Book an Appointment
Related Blogs
Types of Cancer Immunotherapy: Checkpoint Inhibitors, Vaccines and More
Cancer immunotherapy is a form of treatment that helps the body's immune system to better recognise and fight cancer cells. Types of cancer immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, CAR-T cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapy, and immune cell therapies. The best choice relies on the type of cancer, how far it has grown, its genetic features, and the general health of the patient.
HPV Vaccine for Cancer Prevention: Benefits and Guidelines
Discover more about the HPV vaccine for cancer prevention and how these vaccines work, who should get these vaccines, cancer prevention in both genders, and its benefits!
Cancer Prevention Vaccine: Benefits, Myths, and Facts
Explore more about cancer prevention vaccines and unknown benefits and common myths about these preventive vaccines, and the future of cancer vaccines and hidden facts!