COVID-19 vaccines for cancer patients
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
MD Anderson is offering COVID-19 vaccines to MD Anderson employees, patients and community members.
MD Anderson patients can sign into MyChart to schedule an appointment for first doses, additional primary doses if you are immunocompromised, and first and second booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (full dose) or Moderna (half dose) vaccines when you are eligible.
For individuals age 12-17: The FDA has authorized only Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at this time.
- Minors require a parent or adult guardian to accompany them to their vaccine appointment.
- If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany the minor, the minor must be accompanied by an adult and bring a consent form signed by their parent or adult guardian as well as insurance information, if available, with them to their vaccination appointment.
Please note, adults without minors do not need to sign consents in advance. They can verbally attest before their vaccination.
For children ages 5-11, find pediatric vaccination appointments in your community by searching Vaccines.gov. If you are an MD Anderson patient under age 18, please contact your care team for scheduling a vaccine appointment.
Patients who have received the vaccine at another health care provider should let their care team know. Patients can submit their vaccination information using the COVID-19 section of MyChart for their care team to add vaccination details to their record.
Community members can schedule appointments for first doses, additional doses and booster doses on the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment website.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended for cancer patients
Your safety is always our top priority. We understand that many of our patients have serious medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, and are at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
According to the FDA, COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing symptomatic infection.
After careful review of all available scientific evidence, our clinical experts have determined that all COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA are safe and recommended for former and current cancer patients.
- Patients currently receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, stem cell treatments or participating in clinical trials can still receive the vaccine. Check with your provider for vaccine timing recommendations prior to scheduling.
- If you are a current or past breast cancer patient or had or will have surgery involving lymph nodes in your armpit, ask to receive the vaccine in the arm opposite of your cancer site or surgery. This will help support your immune response and lessen lymph node enlargement. Enlarged lymph nodes can falsely affect cancer screening and diagnostic imaging results up to 6 weeks after vaccination.
- The vaccines are safe for patients in treatment but will likely be more effective if timed in coordination with the treatment schedule.
- Patients who have recently had surgery should wait for 2 weeks after their surgery date to receive the vaccine.
All other patients who do not need to coordinate timing can proceed to schedule a vaccine appointment wherever it is available to them without contacting MD Anderson for further guidance.
We will continue to share information directly with patients through MyChart, as well as on MD Anderson's website and social media channels.
Post-vaccination considerations
Lymph node enlargement is a normal temporary reaction to vaccines. Receiving vaccine in your arm can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in your armpit or near your collarbone. Receiving vaccine in your thigh can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in your groin. If you need a diagnostic imaging exam that includes your axillary or other lymph nodes, talk to your doctor to see if it is medically appropriate to delay the exam for 6 to 10 weeks after your COVID-19 vaccination. Your body’s immune response to the vaccine may interfere with your imaging exam.
Be sure to tell your provider, radiologist and the person doing your diagnostic imaging test when and in which arm you received the vaccine. We recommend bringing your vaccination card with you to your appointment to share with them.
Continue safe practices
For your safety, it important to continue wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing your hands frequently. These actions will be needed until public health experts advise otherwise.
Additional resources
To learn more about COVID-19 and vaccines, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites. You can search for COVID-19 vaccine availability in your community at Vaccines.gov.
Need a MyChart account? Sign up for an account.
COVID-19 Vaccines
MD Anderson is providing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations to the Houston community.
Last updated Jan. 12, 2022
Booster shots have now been approved for all three of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new guidelines say that people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can now mix and match their immunizations when seeking a booster shot.
But what does that mean, exactly? Is it better to stick with the same kind of vaccine you originally received, or are there situations in which it might be better to get a different one? And are the rules different for cancer patients in active treatment or for survivors who are immunocompromised?
We went to infectious diseases specialist and head of Internal Medicine David Tweardy, M.D., for answers. Here’s what he had to say.
How does the CDC define ‘mixing and matching,’ in this context? Is that option only for fully vaccinated people seeking a booster shot, or is it open to previously unvaccinated people, too?
In this context, it means getting a booster shot — or a supplementary dose of vaccine to bolster your body’s defense against the coronavirus — from a different manufacturer than the one which provided your original vaccination regimen. This applies no matter which type of vaccine you got first.
But anyone who is starting fresh needs to follow the CDC guidelines for initial vaccination, and receive either Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen single-dose shot, or both doses of a two-dose mRNA regimen from the same manufacturer (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna).
Why do we even need booster shots? Doesn’t being fully vaccinated confer the maximum amount of protection a person can have?
It does for a while, but over time, that protection wanes. And this is perfectly normal. Bodies are naturally very efficient and need to be able to respond to any number of infections, so they don’t want to waste resources maintaining the maximum level of defense forever against a pathogen they may or may not encounter.
But the number of COVID-neutralizing antibodies appears to drop significantly in fully vaccinated individuals after about eight months. And that increases the chance of breakthrough infections. So, waning protection is the main reason to get a booster shot. As long as the delta variant and/or omicron variant are still hanging around, it’s prudent to make every effort to maintain the highest levels of protection. And getting a booster shot is a good way to do that.
The other reason for booster shots is to protect ourselves against other variants. Pfizer and Moderna both began working on updated vaccines right away, in case they were needed against emerging strains. The thinking then was that we might need those in order to sustain high levels of neutralizing antibodies in people.
But it turns out that the original formulation is still very effective against both the alpha and delta variants. So, the manufacturers decided, “OK. Let’s just boost with the original.”
So, the booster shots are exactly the same as the original vaccines?
Yes, but with one exception: the Moderna booster only contains half the original dose.
There’s been a recognition that recipients of the Moderna vaccine saw their antibody levels decline more slowly than those who received the Pfizer or J&J vaccines. So, less vaccine was needed to build their levels back up to the desired amount.
There was also an acknowledgement that side effects tended to be more pronounced after the second shot in a two-shot series, so if a lower dose could do the job, it might also reduce the severity of any potential side effects.
Let’s say I got the single-dose J&J shot for my original vaccination. If I opt to get my booster dose from Pfizer or Moderna, does that mean I need two shots to be considered fully “boosted,” since two doses were needed initially to confer maximum protection?
No. No matter which vaccine you received initially, you will only need a single booster shot from any of the three manufacturers.
Is it better to stick with the same type of vaccine you originally got for the booster shot? Or is there some benefit to be gained by “switching horses,” so to speak?
It looks like the preferred way to go is to stick with the same vaccine. None of the data I’ve seen has shown the superiority of any particular combination of mixing and matching when it comes to efficacy.
What about cancer patients? Is there anything special they should know about mixing and matching booster shots?
The recommendation for cancer patients also is to stick with the same vaccine for their booster shot. In the case of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, the booster shot should be timed 5 months after their second dose, while for the J & J vaccine, it should be time at least 2 months after the single dose of this vaccine.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
If you’re a cancer patient who was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before having a stem cell transplant or receiving a CAR T cell infusion, take note.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new recommendation for you — and it means starting all over again when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination.
New guidance adopted to protect stem cell transplant and CAR T cell therapy patients
The CDC’s new recommendation states that anyone who was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before receiving a stem cell transplant or CAR T cell therapy should begin the vaccination process again from scratch — ideally, three months after either procedure.
“We know that stem cell transplant patients and CAR T cell recipients are particularly immunocompromised, because they get high-dose chemotherapy to suppress their immune systems,” says Roy Chemaly, M.D., MD Anderson’s Chief Infection Control Officer. “So, if they got vaccinated prior to that, then they’re going to lose that protection.”
New guidance applies only to a small group of patients
The new guidance applies only to patients who received a stem cell transplant or CAR T cell therapy after being vaccinated for COVID-19. But it’s critical for anyone to whom the recommendation does apply to follow it quickly — and to get re-vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Even three months is a little early for most stem cell transplant recipients, because they don’t have a fully functional immune system yet,” Chemaly says. “But we don’t want them to wait any longer, because they’re already at higher risk of developing complications if they catch COVID-19.”
Patients should try to obtain the same brand of vaccine they did originally — whether it’s Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen single-dose shot, or both doses of a two-dose mRNA regimen from either Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna.
“You never know how people are going to react to something,” Chemaly notes. “But if you did fine with it the first time, there’s no reason to believe that you’ll respond any differently now.”
Plan to receive the recommended third dose, if needed
Anyone who’s been re-vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, whether due to a stem cell transplant or a CAR T cell therapy, should also plan on receiving the recommended third dose 28 days later. Anyone who gets revaccinated with the J&J vaccine should plan to get the booster shot two months later. Talk to your care team about the best time to receive it.
“If your immune system is slow to respond, it may not be able to mount an adequate defense against COVID-19,” says Chemaly. “When patients need steroids to reduce certain side effects, it can suppress their immune systems even more. So, it may take you even longer to recover, and to respond robustly to any given vaccine.”
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
You may have heard talk recently about a second COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. But if you’re confused about whether you need one — and what it is — you’re not alone.
We checked in with Chief Infection Control Officer Roy Chemaly, M.D., to learn about eligibility requirements, timing and which type of booster shot is best.
So, who needs a second COVID-19 booster shot?
Anyone age 50 or older, or anyone age 12 or older who has an underlying health condition that compromises their immune system. Both of these groups are eligible for a second booster shot and should seriously consider getting one.
Isn’t a booster shot the same thing as a third dose?
Not exactly. The Pfizer/BioNTech booster contains the same amount of vaccine as each shot held in the original vaccination series. The Moderna booster contains only half the original amount.
A third dose is identical to the first or second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; it contains the exact same amount. Third doses are recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals, since their bodies may not have responded as robustly as the average person’s to the two-dose series.
Let’s say I’m immunocompromised and I’ve already had three full doses and a COVID-19 booster shot. Does this mean I need another booster?
If you’re immunocompromised, you are eligible to receive up to five shots:
- the original two-dose series of either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines
- a third dose, according to the CDC’s timing recommendations
- a first booster shot (no earlier than 3 months after the third dose)
- a second booster shot (no earlier than 4 months after the first booster shot)
So, as of right now, you could receive five shots in all.
Is it better to get a second booster shot now, or wait until another COVID-19 variant emerges and/or researchers complete clinical trials with updated vaccines?
Why wait? If and when another COVID-19 variant might emerge is impossible to predict. It may or may not ever happen. But waning immunity is real. And it’s happening right now. So, you can still get COVID-19, especially if you’re at high risk. The pandemic isn’t over yet. That’s why I say, do it now. That way, you’ll be as protected as possible if another variant does arise.
Is it OK to mix and match my COVID-19 vaccines?
My personal preference is to stick with the same type of vaccine you initially received, if it’s available. And the CDC recommends choosing one of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) for your first booster shot in most cases.
But it’s fine to mix and match vaccines between your initial series/single-shot regimen and your first booster. The data show no difference in efficacy or safety between people who consistently received their vaccines from one manufacturer and those who mixed and matched their vaccines.
That being said, the second booster shot MUST be one of the mRNA vaccines — either Pfizer or Moderna — because we have no data yet on the efficacy or safety of additional doses for the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
What’s the one thing you want people to know about booster shots?
We’re actually not doing too well nationally, in terms of people getting their COVID-19 booster shots. Getting vaccinated, we’ve accomplished quite a bit, at least when it comes to health care workers. So, right now, it’s all about boosting.
The value of getting boosted is undeniable: it’s already proven to increase immunity, decrease transmission rates, and reduce the overall chances of severe infection, hospitalization and death. That’s why I would encourage everyone to get boosted at least once.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
Last updated Oct. 25 2021
Research studies show that immunocompromised people who have low or no protection following two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may have an improved response after an additional dose of the same vaccine.
Based on this research, certain immunocompromised individuals, including certain cancer patients and survivors, can receive a third vaccine dose in order to strengthen their immune system’s response against COVID-19. But who is actually eligible for a third dose? And what can you expect if you or a loved one needs one?
To answer common questions about third COVID-19 vaccine doses, we spoke with infectious diseases specialist and head of Internal Medicine David Tweardy, M.D.
What is the difference between a third dose and a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine?
An additional dose – also called a third dose – follows the initial two-dose vaccine series for people who may not have mounted a strong enough immune response after receiving the initial vaccine series. In other words, these individuals may not have had the same level of protection against COVID-19 as other individuals due to their weakened immune systems, so they need additional protection that can be provided by a third dose.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized additional doses of Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines for severely immunocompromised individuals.
By contrast, a booster dose is a supplemental dose given to groups whose immune response has waned over time.
Is the vaccine you receive for the third dose different than the vaccine people will receive for the booster?
According to the FDA, the same formulation is used for these vaccines. However, individuals that receive a Moderna booster receive a dosage half the size of the original dose; the Pfizer booster, on the other hand, is the same dose as the first two vaccines.
The Delta variant is highly transmissible and immunocompromised individuals may not have built up a strong immune response after the first two doses, it’s important to go ahead and get the third dose if you’re eligible. The hope is that will help strengthen your body’s immune response against COVID-19.
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccines?
People eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose include those who received the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series and are moderately or severely immunocompromised, such as those with certain conditions identified by the CDC.
Examples include:
- Active or recent cancer treatment. Recent includes within one year of completing immunosuppressive therapy.
- Solid-organ transplant
- CAR T cell therapy
- Autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the last two years, or beyond two years for patients with chronic graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and/or ongoing immunosuppression
- History of primary immunodeficiency
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- People on active immunosuppressive therapy, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, high-dose corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, certain biologic agents (e.g., rituximab) and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.
Do I need to get the same type of vaccine for my third dose as I got for the first two? For instance, if I got the Pfizer vaccine before, do I need to get the Pfizer vaccine again?
The CDC recommends that a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine be used, whenever available, for people who received either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series. If you’re not sure which mRNA vaccine you got or aren’t able to get the same vaccine, it’s OK to get either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
What if I got the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine? Do I need to another dose, or can I get the Pfizer or Moderna two-dose series?
The FDA has authorized a second dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine provides improved antibody response in immunocompromised people. The FDA’s authorization for additional doses only applies to the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA and CDC are working to provide guidance on this issue.
When should eligible cancer patients get a third dose?
People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems can receive an additional dose at least 28 days after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
However, patients currently receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR T cells, stem cell transplants or participating in clinical trials may need to coordinate timing of their additional vaccine dose with their treatment schedule to optimize their vaccine response. Talk to your primary health care provider to determine the appropriate timing for your additional vaccination dose if you are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive therapies.
Can childhood cancer patients get a third dose?
Yes. Adolescents ages 12-17 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Those younger than age 18 are not authorized to receive the Moderna vaccine, and children younger than age 12 years are not authorized to receive any COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
What are the most common side effects of the third dose?
Reactions reported after the third mRNA dose are similar to what people experienced after receiving the two-dose series. The most commonly reported side effects are fatigue and pain at injection site. Most post-vaccination symptoms are mild to moderate and resolve within 1-2 days.
Do I need antibody testing to receive an additional vaccine dose?
No. Outside the context of research studies, the CDC does not recommend antibody testing to determine an immune response to vaccination. In many cases, you may have a negative antibody test result even if you are fully vaccinated.
What precautions do cancer patients need to take after receiving a third dose?
People who are immunocompromised may continue to experience a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, even after receiving the third dose. It is important to continue following COVID-19 safety precautions, including wearing a mask in indoor public settings, staying apart from others who are not from your household, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Because the delta variant is highly contagious, social distancing and wearing high-quality KF-94 or KN-95 mask may offer better protection.
It is also important to encourage your family, friends and anyone you spend time with to get vaccinated.
Will we need additional doses or boosters after this third dose?
This is something researchers are still looking at. They hope to
gain a better understanding of whether future doses or boosters will
be needed and, if so, how frequently.
Is MD Anderson offering the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines?
Yes. Eligible MD Anderson patients can sign into MyChart to schedule an appointment; you will need to bring your proof of prior vaccination and attest that you meet criteria for immunocompromised conditions. We are unable to accept walk-ins.
Appointments for community members who are eligible for a third dose of the vaccine will be available at MD Anderson soon.
Can I get the third dose somewhere else if it’s more convenient?
Yes. People who meet the eligibility criteria for additional COVID-19 doses should consider getting vaccinated wherever they can. Use the National Vaccine Finder to see appointments available in your community. Again, talk to your primary health care provider to determine the appropriate timing for your additional vaccination dose if you are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive therapies.
What is your advice to immunocompromised individuals who don’t want to get a third dose, either because they’ve already had COVID-19 or don’t want to get another shot?
Talk to your doctor about these concerns, but it’s really important
to get the third dose if you are immunocompromised. The latest
research indicates the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, but
their effectiveness may wane over time and/or they may become less
effective with new variants. In addition, an immunocompromised
individual may not have had a sufficient immune response to their
initial vaccine series or infection; a third dose has been shown to
improve immunity in those who have received a complete vaccine series,
and it is expected to improve immunity in those who had a COVID-19
infection.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions
- About COVID-19 vaccines
- General vaccination questions
- Scheduling your vaccine at MD Anderson
- MD Anderson's vaccine clinic
- After receiving the vaccine
- Other questions
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe for cancer patients?
- Patients currently receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, stem cell transplants or who are participating in clinical trials should check with their MD Anderson provider about vaccine appointment timing. The vaccines are safe for patients who are in treatment but will likely be more effective if timed in coordination with your treatment schedule.
- Patients who have recently had surgery should wait for 2 weeks after their surgery date to receive the vaccine.
All other patients who do not need to coordinate timing can obtain a
COVID-19 vaccine without contacting their MD Anderson provider for
further guidance.
Which vaccine does MD Anderson recommend?
According to the FDA, COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing symptomatic infection. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine requires only one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.
After careful review of all available scientific evidence, our
clinical experts have determined that current COVID-19
vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA are safe and
recommended for former and current cancer patients.
Will getting the vaccine impact my cancer treatment or scheduled procedures?
No, it should not impact your treatment. The vaccines are safe for patients who are in treatment but will likely be more effective if timed in coordination with your treatment schedule. Patients currently receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy, stem cell transplants or who are participating in clinical trials should check with their MD Anderson provider about vaccine appointment timing.
Patients who have recently had surgery should wait for 2 weeks after their surgery date to receive the vaccine.
Lymph node enlargement is a normal temporary reaction to vaccines. Receiving vaccine in your arm can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in your armpit or near your collarbone. Receiving vaccine in your thigh can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in your groin. If you need a diagnostic imaging exam that includes your axillary or other lymph nodes, talk to your doctor to see if it is medically appropriate to delay the exam for 6 to 10 weeks after your COVID-19 vaccination. Your body’s immune response to the vaccine may interfere with your imaging exam.
Be sure to tell your provider, radiologist and the person doing your diagnostic imaging test when and in which arm you received the vaccine.
All other patients can obtain a COVID-19 vaccine without contacting
their MD Anderson provider for further
guidance.
What are the side effects?
Some people have reported side effects after getting the vaccines, such as pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, and fever. These side effects typically go away within a few days.
In rare cases, people with a history of allergic reactions should proceed with caution or avoid vaccination. Please review these resources for further information:
- Pfizer fact sheet for vaccine recipients (ingredients, benefits, risks/side effects): English | Spanish | Other languages
- Moderna fact sheet for vaccine recipients (ingredients, benefits, risks/side effects): English | Spanish | Other languages
- Johnson &
Johnson’s Janssen fact sheet for vaccine recipients (ingredients,
benefits, risks/side effects): English | Spanish
Will people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 be able to get vaccinated?
Since reinfection is a possibility, vaccination is expected to provide added protection for those who’ve recovered from COVID-19. However, you should wait to get vaccinated until your symptoms of infection have resolved and you have completed the quarantine period recommended by the CDC.
After symptomatic infection, natural immunity appears to persist for
at least 3 months. Therefore you could choose to defer vaccination for
90 days if you desire. If your infection was asymptomatic, it should
not factor into your decision to be vaccinated since you may not have
effective immunity.
Does MD Anderson distribute Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine?
MD Anderson provides FDA-authorized
COVID-19 vaccines, depending on the supply given by the state of Texas
each week and in compliance with all state guidelines on vaccine
administration. If you experience any adverse events after
vaccination, report them to CDC's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
(VAERS).
If I have the opportunity to get vaccinated somewhere else, should I?
Yes. You are encouraged to receive the vaccine anywhere that it’s available to you, if you choose to get vaccinated.
For vaccines that require two doses, do I need both doses?
If the COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, you should plan to
receive both doses of the vaccine to ensure maximum efficacy. The
second dose is either 21 or 28 days after their first dose.
How much does the vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free and is provided by the state at no cost.
If you have insurance, it will be billed for the cost of administering the COVID-19 vaccine. You may see this fee in MyChart. You will not be billed or expected to pay this fee. For those without insurance, the vaccine administration fee will be waived.
For those under 18
You will be asked if your parent, guardian or a responsible
party has insurance. If so, they will be asked to provide a form of
identification and insurance card.
For minors without insurance, the administration fee will be waived.
Will I get a vaccination card?
Yes, everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine will receive a vaccination card documenting which vaccine you received and the date. If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine at MD Anderson, your vaccine information also will be available in MyChart. If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, be sure to bring your vaccine card with you for your Dose 2 appointment.
To view a vaccine record in MyChart:
- In the web version of MyChart, go to the Health menu. Select COVID-19 in the Medical Tools section.
- In the mobile app, select the COVID-19 icon.
If you've lost your card or don't have MyChart, you can still confirm your status.
As long as you received your vaccination in Texas, you can request an immunization record from the Texas Department of State Health Services' Immunization Registry. You can also request your certificate of vaccination from the CDC’s Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS).
If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine at MD Anderson, is it possible to share my vaccine record with outside providers?
Yes, you can grant external providers temporary access to your medical record with Share Everywhere in MyChart. Using the MyChart website or a MyChart mobile account, you can generate a share code and provide it to the person you want to share your health data with. The share code recipient enters that code and your date of birth on the Share Everywhere website to receive one-time, temporary access to your health information. The person accessing your record will also be able to write a clinical note to your care team. For more information, visit shareeverywhere.com/FAQ.
I got the COVID-19 vaccine at another organization. Can I add it to my MyChart account?
Yes, you can submit your vaccination record using MyChart.
Let your care team know if you got the COVID-19 vaccine from an
organization other than MD Anderson. You can submit an image of your
vaccine card through MyChart. Use these instructions.
Does MD Anderson offer the COVID-19 vaccines to patients?
Yes. If patients would like to get the COVID-19 vaccine at MD
Anderson, they should use MyChart to self-schedule an appointment or
contact their care team.
I received a MyChart message and text message invite through MyChart but I can’t make the scheduled time. Can I come get vaccinated at another time?
Yes. You can use MyChart to cancel, reschedule and schedule an
appointment for a vaccine at any time in the future. We will continue
to open additional clinics as we receive more supply from the state.
Can I get vaccinated when I’m at MD Anderson for my next appointment?
All vaccine clinic appointments are by appointment only. You can
choose when you’d like to schedule your appointment based on what’s
available after you receive an invitation. There are no
drop-ins.
I recently tested COVID-19 positive. Can I still schedule my vaccine appointment if I get invited?
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, do not schedule a vaccine appointment until after your 14-day quarantine period. If you arrive at your vaccine appointment before you finish your quarantine, your appointment will be rescheduled. Patients who have had COVID-19 infection can have natural immunity for up to 3 months and may wait to get the vaccine for up to 3 months after their infection.
I’m not a patient at MD Anderson. Can I get vaccinated there?
Yes. As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, MD
Anderson is providing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations to the
Houston community. You do not need to be a cancer patient or caregiver
to be vaccinated at MD Anderson. Learn
how to sign up.
I can’t travel to MD Anderson. How can I find a vaccine near me?
Search vaccines.gov, or call 1-800-232-0233, to find locations near you.
Friends and family members in Texas may be able to find vaccine options through the Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Availability site. This interactive website allows users to locate vaccine distribution sites, including those that currently have available first doses.
Also, check for information from health care systems that have been
designated as vaccination hub providers.
Where are MD Anderson’s vaccination clinics located?
All vaccine appointments are held at our Mid Campus Building 1 (1MC), located at 7007 Bertner Ave. Free parking is available in the 1MC Garage. Those with appointments will receive a map and directions as part of their scheduling process.
Concealed handguns aren’t allowed in our vaccine clinics.
Will you hold clinics at other locations in the future?
All vaccination clinics will take place on MD Anderson’s Texas
Medical Center Campus, Mid Campus Building 1 (1MC), located at 7007
Bertner Ave. This location allows us to maximize space, ensure social
distancing and offer free, covered parking to those coming to our
vaccine clinics. 1MC is the only location we will offer vaccines for
the near future.
How long will the appointment take?
Expect to spend 30-60 minutes from appointment arrival to departure. Following vaccination, you will be directed to an observation area, where you will be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
Which vaccine will I receive if I get vaccinated at MD Anderson?
MD Anderson provides FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines, depending on the supply given by the state of Texas each week.
You could receive a single dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson/Janssen or a two-dose vaccine from either Pfizer or Moderna.
If the vaccine requires two doses, you will receive the same type of vaccine at both appointments. Plan to receive both doses of the vaccine to ensure maximum efficacy. Your Dose 2 appointment will be scheduled 21-28 days after your first dose.
For individuals age 12-17, the FDA has authorized only Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at this time. Minors require a parent or adult guardian to accompany them to their vaccine appointment. If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany the minor, the minor must be accompanied by an adult and bring a consent form signed by their parent or adult guardian as well as insurance information, if available, with them to their vaccination appointment.
Can I sign my child up to receive the vaccine at MD Anderson?
For individuals age 12-17, the FDA has authorized only Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at this time. Minors require a parent or adult guardian to accompany them to their vaccine appointment. If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany the minor, the minor must be accompanied by an adult and bring a consent form signed by their parent or adult guardian as well as insurance information, if available, with them to their vaccination appointment. Learn how to sign up.
MD Anderson patients: If you have received medical care from an MD Anderson doctor and have a medical record number, you should check MyChart for a self-scheduling invitation or contact your care team if you would like to get the vaccine at MD Anderson.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine need to be taken yearly like the flu shot?
We'd love for the vaccine to give lifelong immunity against COVID-19, but that remains to be seen, as many people in the clinical trials are still in the follow-up period. We believe protections from the vaccine last at least three months, if not six months or more. More data is coming and will guide us for future planning.
Can I still donate blood if I get the vaccine?
Yes. Our blood bank medical directors have advised that if you’ve been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, you are still able to donate, though you should notify the staff that you’ve been vaccinated. They need to know if you have antibodies from vaccination or a previous infection. You won’t be able to donate convalescent plasma after vaccination. If you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine on a clinical trial, especially if that product hasn’t been FDA-authorized, you need to talk to the coordinator at the blood bank to make sure they are aware of your situation.
Can I get antibody testing after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the CDC, antibody testing is not recommended to assess for immunity to COVID-19 following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, even in immunocompromised patients.
After vaccination, most serology tests are unable to distinguish
between antibodies caused by prior infection versus vaccination.
Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect
antibody testing results.
Do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing after being vaccinated?
Yes. For your safety and the safety of others, it important to continue taking precautions such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing your hands frequently, even after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These actions will be needed until public health experts declare the pandemic to be over.
What if I have additional questions?
Learn more on our Vaccine Information page and read What cancer patients should know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine at MD Anderson.
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