Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Dana Farber Covid-19 Vaccinations are Underway

 

I found this article particularly useful because so many of our members are seen at Dana Farber or else have had consults with them. In addition, they provide links to other states in New England that give information about the Covid-19 vaccine.

February 8 Update: COVID-19 Patient Vaccinations Now Underway

We are now vaccinating and scheduling vaccinations for our patients who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. For Dana-Farber, this includes patients who are age 75 and older. We will move to the next phase of patients when the state of Massachusetts allows, and when we have supply of vaccine.

If you are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, please watch for messages that may come to you this week via text, email, phone call, or Patient Gateway with details on how to schedule your vaccine appointment.

  • If you are scheduled for a vaccination at Dana-Farber, your care team will not be present at your vaccination appointment. Our vaccine clinic is operated by trained vaccine personnel. 

  • Please do not call your Dana-Farber doctor's office to ask about the COVID-19 vaccine, as they cannot schedule vaccinations at this time.

We will frequently update this page with the latest vaccine news, which is rapidly changing.

Please Sign Up for Patient Gateway

If you are not already signed up, we urge you to take a few minutes to enroll in Patient Gateway (at www.patientgateway.org). Having a free account on Patient Gateway will make it easier for you to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment when you are eligible to get one.

To get started, visit Patient Gateway and click Enroll Now. For step-by-step instructions, download our How to Enroll in Patient Gateway guide.

For more details about the site, check Dana-Farber's Patient Gateway overview.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ for Cancer Patients

When will I be able to get the vaccine?

  • We are now scheduling vaccinations for patients who are age 75 and older. We will move to the next phase of patients when the state of Massachusetts allows, and when we have supply of vaccine.

  • Our ability to offer vaccines to patients depends on the amount of vaccine we get from Massachusetts and the state’s direction on who is eligible.

  • If you are able to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination outside of Dana-Farber before you hear from us, we encourage you to get the vaccine at that other site. Learn more at www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

What if I don’t live in Massachusetts?

Check with your state’s COVID-19 vaccine effort. New England state websites include:

How are you prioritizing vaccinations for patients?

Dana-Farber must follow the rules set out by the state of Massachusetts for phases of the vaccine rollout. We will follow state guidelines and prioritize those patients who are most at risk from COVID-19. To learn more about the state's phases, visit www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Will you be giving the vaccine during infusion when I visit Dana-Farber?

No. Our vaccination clinic will be held separate from your cancer care. This is to ensure that we can safely give the vaccine to a large number of patients without wasting any of the supply.

  • If you are scheduled for a vaccination at Dana-Farber, your care team will not be present at your vaccination appointment. Our vaccine clinic is operated by trained vaccine personnel.
  • Please do not call your Dana-Farber doctor's office to ask about the COVID-19 vaccine, as they cannot schedule vaccinations at this time.

What if I don’t live near Dana-Farber's vaccination location?

If you are unable to travel to Dana-Farber's vaccination clinic when you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, visit your state’s vaccine website to determine where a COVID-19 vaccine may be available near you. If you are in Massachusetts, visit www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

I am no longer in active treatment at Dana-Farber, but I still have active disease and am seen regularly at Dana-Farber. Can I get the vaccine from Dana-Farber?

Not at this time. Based on our allotment of vaccines, we will follow state guidelines and prioritize those cancer patients who are most at risk from COVID-19. For many cancer patients and survivors, vaccines may be available to you in your community before they are available at Dana-Farber. To learn more about when you might be eligible, visit www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Can I choose which vaccine I get?

No. Dana-Farber and other vaccination sites do not have a choice in which vaccine they receive. The COVID-19 vaccines that have now been authorized for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA are nearly identical in their efficacy and safety.

Can my cancer caregiver (a person who is helping me and with me often during my treatment) get the vaccine from Dana-Farber?

No, because Dana-Farber must follow the rules set out by the state of Massachusetts for phases of the vaccine rollout. Learn more about the vaccine phases and where to get a vaccine outside of Dana-Farber at www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I've recently had cellular therapy (such as CAR T-cell therapy) or a stem cell transplant?

Yes, but only after 100 days has passed since your transplant or cellular therapy. In fact, we recommend that all transplant and cellular therapy patients strongly consider a COVID-19 vaccine when 100 days have elapsed from their transplant or cellular therapy. We anticipate that some transplant and cellular therapy patients may be able to receive the vaccine at Dana-Farber, depending on your time from transplant or cellular therapy. Please continue to check this Dana-Farber COVID-19 vaccine page for updates.

How can I get a list of my comorbidities?

The after-visit summary that you get after each Dana-Farber appointment should list any health issues that you may have. If you don't have this form handy or haven't visited Dana-Farber in a while, you can also get this information by logging into your Patient Gateway account at www.patientgateway.org.

Can I go back to normal after I get the vaccine (no masks, etc.)?

No. Even after you are vaccinated, it will still be important to follow best practices for preventing spread of the virus as we learn more about how the vaccines protect us under real-life conditions. This includes wearing a facemask, washing hands often, physical distancing, and complying with the Massachusetts COVID-19 travel order, as well as its testing and quarantine requirements.

Is the vaccine safe?

As with any medication, we follow guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has a strong vaccine safety system to ensure that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Many clinical trials are currently evaluating the COVID-19 vaccines to best determine their safety and effectiveness.

If I've had an allergic reaction to chemotherapy in the past, should I worry about reactions to the vaccine?

Talk with your care team if you've had an allergic reaction to certain chemotherapy drugs, such as those that contain polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is a compound that is part of the current COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19.

Who should not get the vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should not get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have had an immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in either of the two available COVID-19 vaccines. This includes polyethylene glycol (PEG), a compound found in some chemotherapy treatments. Talk with your care team or healthcare provider if you have questions. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19.

Can I get one vaccine dose at Dana-Farber, and the other dose at another location?

No. Both of the currently approved vaccines require two doses and you must receive both doses at the same location. You must receive the same vaccine for doses one and two.

Is it OK to mix the vaccines (i.e., get a different vaccine for each dose)?

No. You must receive the same vaccine for doses one and two.

Is there a cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Dana-Farber?

No. Per federal rules, there is no cost to you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Your health insurance plan may be charged a modest administration fee, but there will be no cost to you.

What if I experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

No matter where you are given a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be given clear instructions on what to do if you experience side effects (which are typically mild). For answers to some of the more common questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine and click on "Frequently Asked Questions" or go directly to www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions.

My child is younger than age 16. When will he or she be able to get the vaccine?

We do not know, but experts are optimistic that a vaccine for children and young adults may be available by late 2021. Keep in mind that kids and young adults are not typically at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

As a parent of a cancer patient, will I be eligible to get a vaccine from Dana-Farber?

No, because Dana-Farber must follow the rules set out by the state of Massachusetts for phases of the vaccine rollout. Learn more about the vaccine phases and where to get a vaccine outside of Dana-Farber at www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Additional Information on Vaccines

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