Updated on: Sep 11, 2024

Your Safety Matters

Keeping you safe and giving you high-quality care during COVID-19 are the top goals of your cancer care team.

Grand River Regional Cancer Centre is working hard to keep you safe. This online handout has COVID-19 safety information specific to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.

For more information on COVID-19 and your health visit:

Provincial Vaccine Information Line

Call if you have questions about Ontario's COVID-19 vaccination program or booking your vaccination appointment. Information is available in multiple languages.

Telephone: 1-888-999-6488

TTY: 1-866-797-0007

Why should people with cancer get vaccinated?

People with cancer may have a higher risk of:

Getting COVID-19
Getting very sick from COVID-19
Dying from COVID-19

People with cancer should get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots as soon as they can to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Experiencing Cancer During COVID19

Transcript for: Experiencing Cancer During COVID19

Hi I'm Sue, like you I've had cancer. We can all agree that these are frightening

times. So many worries and so many questions it's okay to have all those worries and questions please remember that your health team is there for you.

hi my name is Joanne like you I have cancer and I'm worried about coming to the Cancer Center for treatment or even just to pick up my prescription from the healthcare pharmacy like you I have had cancer you might be worried that if you have a half crisis you will have to come to the emergency department

Hello like you I'm a cancer survivor and I also worry about my healthcare team. These are the people I depend on to take care of me during my treatment and I have trusted them through my cancer experience. I care deeply about them I hope they are protected and supported.

There have been some changes that have been made at the cancer centers around the region to keep you safe and feeling confident. When you go to your Cancer Center for a visit or a treatment for safety the cancer centers will not let you bring a friend family member or a caregiver with you but they're taking extra care to keep you connected with them. You are welcome to bring your laptop tablet or cell phone so that your loved ones can be with you virtually during your visits or treatments. Wi-Fi is free no matter where you are in the hospital

You can't just walk in like you normally would because nurses will need to screen you for symptoms at the door. Just like you would tell the nurse about any health symptoms that you have, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 it is very important to share this with the nurse this will help keep everyone safe having symptoms means you'll go through a longer screening process don't worry it's not as long as you might think this doesn't always mean that you're going to have your visitor treatment cancelled it just means that your healthcare team will have to take extra steps to ensure your safety and there's the more that you tell them about your symptoms the more they can give you the care you need be prepared to see that the halls look empty. There will be new signs and posters that show you where to go. You might not recognize your favorite nurse because of all the personal protective equipment they are wearing to keep you safe. You will also have most of your visits with your doctor or health care team changed to be on the phone, or online. Virtual visits will let you speak to them face to face it's just going to feel a bit different.

We know there have been so many changes these last few months but some things are still the same. Did you know that support is still available? All these supports are at your fingertips: Our Cancer Care supportive care programs are still running. You can book a phone or online visit with your social worker dietitian or psychiatrist. You can still bring a virtual visitor with you connect with your loved ones during a visit or treatment. Use your tablet, cell phone or a laptop to call them while you were there

Hope Springs offers a cancer care counselor and continues to run online

classes. A cancer care counselor offers online are fully visits for one-on-one support they also continue to run groups online visit their website for more information if you are caring for someone with cancer or a need care support you can call the Ontario Caregiver Helpline.

Another great support service is Cancer Chat Canada. You can join a free online chat group through the de souza Institute. It provides free professionally led online support groups for Canadians affected by cancer including patients survivors and family members. Support groups can provide emotional support and a place to safely discuss personal topics.

Things have changed so much and are continuing to change. The healthcare team has been working very hard every day and making sacrifices so they can be there for us. We're grateful that they have been able to adapt to keep providing care to those who need it.

We want to say thanks so much for everything you do for us and for our community thank you for being there when our loved ones can't.

We thank you for wearing your personal protective equipment even when it's not comfortable.

Thank you for the long hard hours.

Thank you for adjusting to this new world.

Thank you for being calm and steady in this challenging time.

Thank you for the sacrifices you've been making by coming to work even when it's really hard.

And we want to thank YOU the patient's for working with these changes during this difficult time. Know that we're here with you and still cheering you on during your cancer experience be safe be strong and remember we're in this together.

Questions you might have about COVID-19 & cancer

How are the vaccines given?

The COVID-19 vaccines are a series of shots (needles) into your upper arm, like the flu shot. Everyone gets 2 doses that are given weeks apart. Some people will also need a 3rd dose of the vaccine.

Who needs a third dose or a booster dose of COVID 19 vaccine?

Should I get my 3rd dose of the vaccine?

Cancer and cancer treatments (like chemotherapy) can weaken your immune system. People with weakened immune systems may need 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to get enough protection. 3^rd doses are usually given at least 8 weeks after the second dose.

Here are some examples of people with cancer who may need a 3rd dose of COVID 19 vaccine. People who:

Have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy in the last 2 years
Are getting or have recently stopped (within the last 3 months) having cancer treatments that suppress their immune system, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Monoclonal antibodies (such as, ritixumab)
- Other targeted agents (such as, CD4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors)

Should I get my booster shot?

Booster shots are given for a different reason than a 3-dose vaccine. Booster shots are for people whose COVID-19 vaccine protection may start to fade over time. Booster shots are usually given at least 6 months after your last COVID vaccine dose. You may need a booster shot even after a 3-dose vaccine.

Booster shots are very important for everyone. Check with your local public health unit for information on who is currently eligible for a booster shot.

If you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you must also be extra careful to protect yourself from getting infected. Limit your close contacts to people who are fully vaccinated.

Stay away from crowds and indoor places where you are not sure if others have been vaccinated.

When is the best time to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am being treated for cancer?

If you have not yet had any doses of vaccine, it is very important for you to get your first dose as soon as possible. Talk to your healthcare team if you have questions or concerns.

If you are getting any of the treatments below, speak to your cancer care team about the best timing for your COVID-19 vaccine:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Stem cell transplant
Adoptive cell therapy
Immunosuppressive therapy (treatments that weaken your immune system)

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

The Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are most common in Ontario. mRNA is a type of molecule (small part of a cell) that our bodies are always making. mRNA vaccines teach our bodies to make proteins that tell our immune systems to fight the COVID-19 virus.

The AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are viral vector vaccines. Viral vector vaccines use a harmless virus (not COVID-19) to teach your body to build up immunity to the virus without making you sick. The flu shot is also a viral vector-based vaccine.

You cannot get COVID-19 from either type of vaccine.

Which vaccine will I get?

The vaccine you get will depend on which vaccine is available in your area at the time of your appointment, your age, sex and other factors. Your second and third dose may not be the same as your first dose. Mixing vaccine types and brands has been shown to be safe and to work well.

How do I know that the vaccines are safe?

All vaccines in Canada meet very strict safety and efficacy (how well something works) standards before they are approved for use. Health Canada has one of the most careful review processes in the world.

The vaccines:

Were tested on thousands of people and have been given to millions of people across the world
Have met all the requirements for approval, including safety
Will continue to be watched for any issues as they are used across the world

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people with cancer. People with cancer should get fully vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid getting very sick from COVID-19.

How soon does the vaccine start to work and how long does it last?

You will get protection about 2 weeks after getting each dose. Each dose you get gives you more protection. It is important that you get all doses of COVID-19 vaccine that you are eligible for.

At this time, we do not know how long protection from the vaccine will last. Since the vaccines are new, they will need to be studied over time to see how long they will work. It is possible that people with cancer will need more doses in the future.

What are possible side effects from the vaccines?

You may have mild side effects in the days after getting their vaccine. Most side effects will go away on their own.

The most common side effects from the vaccines are:

Pain, a change in colour, redness or swelling in your arm where the needle was given
Fatigue (tiredness)
Headache
Body aches and chills
Joint pain
Mild fever
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Swollen glands can happen for a few days after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your cancer care team if this lasts for more than a few days.

If side effects last for more than 2-3 days, make sure you speak to your health care team.

After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, wait for at least 15 minutes before going home. This wait is to check for side effects or an allergic reaction.

What are the side effects?

Though it is rare, the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) have been linked to:

myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart)

Heart inflammation has happened more in younger patients. For most people, the heart inflammation has been mild and has gone away quickly.

There have been fewer reports of myocarditis after the Pfizer vaccine. If it is available, people age 18-24 should get the Pfizer vaccine.

Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding heart) after getting an mRNA vaccine.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been linked to:

a rare but serious form of blood clots
capillary leak syndrome (a condition that causes fluid to leak from small blood vessels (capillaries) in your body).

Talk to your health care team about these side-effects if you are getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Can the vaccine cause allergic reactions?

It is possible to be allergic to ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines. If you have any serious allergies or have had a serious allergic reaction to other vaccines, drugs, or food, talk to your cancer care team or your family health team before you get the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you had an allergic reaction to your first COVID shot you may need to see an allergist/immunologist before getting your second shot. You may also need to get your vaccine in a hospital instead of at a clinic or pharmacy. For more information about ingredients in the vaccines, search the vaccine names on the Health Canada website or ask your health care team.

Do I need to keep following public health rules after getting the vaccine?

Yes. It may still be possible for fully vaccinated people to carry and spread COVID-19. Check with your local public health unit to find out what is allowed in your area right now.

Keep wearing a mask when in close contact with others, especially when indoors
Wash your hands often
Stay apart from other people unless you know that they are fully vaccinated

You must keep following public health measures because:

It takes time for your body to build up protection after getting the vaccine
If you have a weakened immune system you may not get the full protection even after 2 doses of the vaccine
It is possible for COVID-19 to spread even between people who have already gotten the vaccine
We need to control the spread of COVID-19 in our communities until everyone is fully vaccinated

Are there times when I should wait to get the vaccine?

There are times when some people should wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine:

If you currently have COVID-19 you should wait to get the vaccine until after you recover from the virus. Even if you have already had COVID-19 you need to get your vaccine because it is possible to get the virus again. Talk to your health care team about when to get the vaccine after you recover.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are currently self-isolating you should wait to get the vaccine. Talk to your health care team about your symptoms and getting a COVID-19 test. Your health care team will tell you when to get the vaccine.

It is safe to get your flu shot at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine.

Speak to your surgical team about the best time to get your vaccine if you are having surgery.

How did research teams develop the vaccines so quickly?

Researchers have been studying mRNA vaccines for many years. They were able to develop the COVID-19 vaccines quickly because:

The COVID-19 virus is like other viruses that researchers already knew a lot about
Research teams around the world started to work on the vaccine right away when the COVID-19 virus was found
Research teams all over the world shared information with each other
Many people quickly signed up for clinical trials (a research study that involves humans) to test the vaccines. For example, over 200,000 people in Britain took part in clinical trials.

COVID-19 & Cancer Updates

April 11, 2022

Antiviral treatment (Paxlovid) is available for higher-risk individuals with COVID-19

Ontario Health has made an online hand-out for the public on Paxlovid.

January 28, 2022

Vaccine opportunity for immunocompromised cancer patients (currently under the care of a cancer doctor).

Immunocompromised cancer patients are now able to get a 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine. To find out if you can get a 4th dose please go to the Ministry website.

Your 3^rd or 4^th dose must be a minimum of 84 days (3 months) after your last dose. You are eligible for these if you haven't had a COVID vaccine since November 11th.

Date: Thursdays in April and May 2022

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Grand River Regional Cancer Centre

Vaccines available: Pfizer and Moderna

Doses available: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

Other Details:

You do not need to book an appointment
Bring your health card
Bring your previous vaccine information if possible
Family members are not able to receive vaccines at this clinic