As always, you should consult with your primary doctor, oncologist, or pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
I’m concerned about the side effects of the COVID vaccines. Are we sure that the benefits outweigh these potential risks? Should I allow my child to have the vaccine?
Yes, the vaccines have been out long enough to definitively conclude that the benefits far outweigh any risk. The vaccines are now well-proven to substantially reduce the risk of severe COVID illness, as well as reducing the risk of post-COVID complications such as long COVID. For most people the side effects of the vaccination are very mild. Serious reactions to the vaccination are much less common than the risk of serious COVID illness among unvaccinated people. For these reasons, everyone who is eligible for vaccination should get the full vaccination series right away.
My child is in the middle of treatment for cancer. Does that put my child at greater risk of side effects?
No. Children with cancer are not at increased risk of side effects from vaccination. All eligible children, including those with cancer, should get the full vaccination series right away.
My child is in the middle of treatment for cancer. Will the vaccine even work?
Some children who are receiving highly immunosuppressive chemotherapy might not have as good a response to vaccination. However, even partial protection can reduce the risk of severe COVID illness. For this reason, all eligible children should get the full vaccination series, even if they are in the middle of treatment for cancer.
I’ve heard that the vaccine might make it hard to get pregnant or cause complications for the pregnancy. If I’m considering getting pregnant, should I wait before getting the vaccine?
We now know that women who get vaccinated do not have any issues with pregnancy or childbirth related to the vaccine. The vaccine reduces the risk that either mother or baby will have a severe COVID infection. Women who are considering getting pregnant should get the full vaccination series right away.
I’ve heard that the vaccine might make it harder for men to make viable sperm. If I’m considering fathering a child, should I avoid getting the vaccine?
Research shows conclusively that the vaccine has no impact on sperm count. On the other hand, the vaccine does significantly reduce the risk of having severe COVID infection. You should get the full vaccination series right away.
My child has had allergic reactions to other vaccines. Does that mean there will be a higher risk of side effects from the COVID vaccine? Should I allow my child to have the COVID vaccine?
For most people the side effects of the vaccination are very mild, even those who had allergic reactions to other vaccines. Serious reactions to the vaccination are much less common than the risk of serious COVID illness among unvaccinated people. Since the benefits outweigh the risks, everyone who is eligible should get the vaccine.
My child had a reaction to PEG-asparaginase during therapy for childhood leukemia. I’ve heard that means there’s an increased risk of complications after the COVID vaccine. Should I allow my child to have the COVID vaccine?
People who have severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing and/or swelling of the whole body) to PEG asparaginase were thought to have an increased risk of allergic reactions to COVID vaccination, because polyethylene glycol (PEG) is also a component of some COVID vaccines. (It’s important to note that this applies only to PEG-asparaginase, not the older form of asparaginase. And it doesn’t apply to other side effects from PEG-asparaginase, like pancreatitis.) However, it turns out that most people who had severe allergic reactions to PEG asparaginase and then got the COVID vaccination have not had a severe reaction to the vaccination. You should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.