Can COVID-19 vaccines cause breast cancer? 

There are no data that suggest that COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer, lead to recurrence or to disease progression.

Can a COVID-19 vaccine affect a mammogram? 

There is no link between breast cancer and the COVID vaccines. However, because swollen lymph nodes in the armpit are a known side effect of the vaccines, the CDC recommends a waiting period of at least four weeks for most women between vaccination and a mammogram.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause swollen lymph nodes? Swollen lymph nodes are a normal vaccine side effect, as the body produces antibodies against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Is it safe for people with cancer to get any type of vaccine? 

People with cancer (or with a history of cancer) can get some vaccines, but this depends on many factors, such as the type of vaccine, the type of cancer a person has (had), if they are still being treated for cancer, and if their immune system is working properly.

Can COVID-19 vaccines cause breast cancer? – Additional Questions

Are breast cancer patients at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 is low for most people. However, it’s very important to know that people who are currently diagnosed with cancer, including breast cancer, have a higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.

Are people with cancer at higher risk of severe COVID-19?

If you have cancer, you have a higher risk of severe COVID-19. Other factors that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 include having a weakened immune system (being immunocompromised), older age, and other medical conditions.

What are some exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine?

Some people may be at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition. This is referred to as a medical exemption. Some people may decline vaccination because of a sincerely held religious belief. This is referred to as a religious exemption.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine after a kidney transplant?

New transplant recipients should delay receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: Kidney transplant patients should wait three months after transplant. All other organ recipients should wait one month after their transplant.

Should a person with a compromised immune system take the COVID-19 vaccine?

If your immune system is compromised because of an underlying medical condition or medication you take, you should still get the COVID vaccine. The approved COVID vaccines do not contain a live virus and cannot infect anyone — immunocompromised or otherwise — with the coronavirus.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have an underlying condition?

People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Is having a heart condition considered as high risk for COVID-19?

Having heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly high blood pressure (hypertension) can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

What are the medical contraindications for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Medical contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination include immediate or severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or component of a COVID-19 vaccine or known allergy to a component of a COVID-19 vaccine.

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

What are the severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines?

“Overall, severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, including life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions such as low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, are rare, on the order of five cases per million vaccine doses administered,” noted Dr. Guerrerio.

What should I do if I am allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you aren’t able to get one type of COVID-19 vaccine because you are allergic to an ingredient in that vaccine, ask your doctor if you should get a different type of COVID-19 vaccine.

Can you have a late allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Delayed urticarial reactions — Occasionally, patients develop a few hives and/or mild angioedema several hours or days after administration, as with other vaccines.

Are there any late side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Late side effects following any vaccination are extremely rare. Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that if side effects are going to occur, they generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose.

How soon does anaphylaxis happen after COVID-19 vaccine?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur within 15-30 minutes of vaccination, though it can sometimes take several hours for symptoms to appear.

Are long-term side effects possible with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Benefits of Vaccination Outweigh the Risks Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unusual following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination.

Do COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have long-term effects?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were created using messenger RNA (or mRNA) technology, which has been used for about 10 years in cancer treatment, with no long-term effects detected. And even before that, scientists had been working with mRNA technology for years. 3. mRNA technology does not alter your DNA.

What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever.