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Boosters Key for Blood Cancers

In the news...COVID vaccine boosters are crucial for blood cancer patients. (Read about "Coronaviruses" "Cancer: What It Is") Adults with blood cancers respond to boosters, even though many do not respond to an initial dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a recent study, most patients mounted immune responses after a booster dose, and no patient with antibody responses died from COVID-19

People with hematologic malignancies - or blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma - have an impaired immune system due to their disease and its treatment, putting them at risk of severe COVID-19 infection and experiencing a reduced response to COVID-19 vaccination. (Read about "The Immune System" "Leukemia" "Lymphoma" "Multiple Myeloma")

In the study less than half of patients with hematologic malignancies mounted detectable antibodies after initial COVID-19 vaccination, but 56 percent then produced antibodies after receiving a booster dose.

COVID-19 can cause a range of issues, from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say symptoms can appear days after exposure and include:

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC says it will continue to update this list as it learns more about COVID-19.

If you have any symptoms, do not go into work. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Trouble breathing and /or persistent pain or pressure in the chest indicate an emergency situation and you should seek help. If you or someone around you develops new confusion or inability to arouse that too is a reason to seek care. Bluish lips or face can indicate a low oxygen level and should also be treated as an emergency.

As with other diseases caused by coronaviruses, COVID-19 is believed to spread from person to person through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

CDC says it is important that people take steps to protect themselves, including:

If you have any symptoms, do not go into work. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.

All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.

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