Breast Cancer and the COVID-19 Vaccine: Is It Safe?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In most cases, people with COVID-19 experience symptoms like coughing and fever. People with certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer, may face a higher risk of serious and life-threatening complications from COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with breast cancer. Getting vaccinated can help to prevent harmful outcomes from the illness. Learn more about breast cancer and the COVID-19 vaccine, including safety, benefits, side effects, and more.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe and Effective for People With Breast Cancer?

Most people ages 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID vaccines effectively prevent COVID-19 and related complications, including hospitalization and death.

In the United States, all vaccines undergo thorough and rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and effective before being authorized. Severe adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are infrequent.

It’s safe for most people with breast cancer to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, certain cancer treatments can make the COVID-19 vaccine less effective. If you are undergoing or about to undergo breast cancer treatment—such as allergy shots (immunotherapy), chemotherapy, or radiation therapy—talk to your healthcare provider before getting the COVID vaccine. Your doctor might suggest that you get the vaccines on an alternative schedule.

Some people experience axillary adenopathy—swollen lymph nodes in the armpits—after taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Usually, the lymph node will shrink down on its own in a few days or weeks. This potential side effect concerns some people with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer. 

However, recent research suggests that there’s no reason to delay a mammogram, breast cancer screening, or breast cancer treatment after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have breast cancer and are concerned about axillary adenopathy, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine in the opposite/unaffected arm.

Which Type of COVID-19 Vaccine Should People With Breast Cancer Get?

The four COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized or approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:

• Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, both of which work to “teach” your immune system how to fight off COVID-19 through messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
• Novavax, a protein subunit vaccine that contains pieces (the “spike protein”) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, a viral vector vaccine that works to prevent COVID-19 using a modified version of a vector virus (not the SARS-CoV-2 virus).

It’s safe for people with breast cancer to get any of the above COVID-19 vaccines. However, people with cancer should usually avoid live virus vaccines. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in the U.S. are live virus vaccines, so they are all safe for most people with breast cancer.

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild to moderate. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include:

• Swelling, soreness, and redness at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Usually, COVID-19 vaccine side effects go away on their own after several days. You can relieve pain and swelling by taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as ibuprofen, and applying a cool, damp washcloth to the swollen area. It’s also important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Risks of COVID-19 for People With Breast Cancer

People with breast cancer and people who have had breast cancer in the past may have a higher chance of developing severe COVID-19 complications. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to be hospitalized from the virus and to have long-lasting illnesses. Cancer survivors who are taking immunosuppressants have an especially high risk of severe illness.

Both cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can affect your body’s ability to prevent and fight off infection. Immunotherapy, which in rare cases treats certain types of breast cancer, can increase your risk of COVID-19 complications by negatively affecting the lungs. 

Older people with cancer and people with comorbid health conditions—such as heart disease and problems with the lungs—are particularly at risk of dying from COVID-19.

What Should People Avoid Before Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Some people want to take OTC medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen, before taking the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it’s best to avoid OTC pain relievers just before you get the shot to avoid affecting how the vaccine works.

Let your healthcare provider know about any prescribed medications you’re taking—for breast cancer management or anything else—before getting the COVID vaccine. Don’t stop taking any of your medications before getting the shot unless your doctor recommends that you do so.

Where Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Come From?

Researchers used information about previous similar viruses, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), to develop the COVID-19 vaccines. 

All FDA-authorized and FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines were developed in laboratories. Then, they went through three phases of clinical trials with tens of thousands of participants to test for safety and effectiveness. After the trials, volunteers were monitored for eight weeks to check for potential adverse reactions. The COVID-19 vaccine was found to be safe and effective in protecting against COVID-19 for most people, with few people reporting serious reactions to the shot.

Where Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

There are free and low-cost COVID-19 vaccines available at a wide range of locations, such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, vaccination clinics, pharmacies, health departments, workplaces, and schools. Talk to your healthcare provider or get in touch with your state health department if you aren’t sure where to find a COVID-19 vaccine. 

You can also search for COVID-19 vaccines in your area at Vaccines.gov, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), or text your ZIP code to 438829.

When Should You Take the COVID-19 Vaccine?

It is recommended that adults ages 18 and over take the COVID-19 vaccine on the following schedule:

• Pfizer-BioNTech: two doses, with the second dose three to eight weeks after the first, and a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna at least two months later
• Moderna: two doses, with the second dose four to eight weeks after the first, and a booster shot of either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least two months later
• Novavax: two doses, with the second dose three to eight weeks after the first, and a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna at least two months later
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen: one dose, followed by a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna at least two months later

People with weakened immune systems—such as people who are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment—should talk to their healthcare provider about an alternative vaccine schedule to ensure they are protected against COVID-19. If you have breast cancer or another condition that weakens your immune system, your healthcare provider may recommend the following vaccine schedule:

• Pfizer-BioNTech, followed by: 
• a second dose three to eight weeks later 
• a third dose at least four weeks later
• a bivalent booster dose (which protects against the original COVID-19 strain and the most recent Omicron variants) at least two months later
• Moderna, followed by:
• a second dose four weeks later
• a third dose at least four weeks later
• a bivalent booster shot at least two months later
• Novavax, followed by:
• a second dose three weeks later
• a bivalent booster dose at least two months later
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, followed by:
• a Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech dose at least four weeks later
• a bivalent booster shot at least two months later

Summary

People with breast cancer have a higher risk of serious medical complications, hospitalization, and even death from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines offer effective protection against COVID-19 and related complications, and they are safe for people with breast cancer. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are usually mild and resolve on their own. 

It is recommended that all people over six months old receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People who are undergoing breast cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, should let their healthcare provider know before getting the vaccine. They may recommend an additional booster dose or an alternative vaccine schedule.

A Word From Verywell

It’s safe and important for people with breast cancer to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about potential side effects or adverse reactions.