Cancer survivors require both standard preventive vaccines, such as flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV, and Hepatitis B, to protect their weakened immune systems. In addition, emerging therapeutic cancer vaccines offer promising new options to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Because vaccine timing and eligibility vary by individual, cancer survivors should always consult their oncologist before receiving any vaccination.
Key Takeaways:
Cancer survivors have 2–4× higher risk of severe infections due to weakened immunity.
The influenza vaccine reduces hospitalisation risk by 40–60% in immunocompromised individuals.
Cancer survivors have a 2–3× higher risk of shingles compared to the general population.
Pneumococcal vaccination prevents up to 75% of invasive pneumococcal disease in high-risk adults.
Personalised mRNA cancer vaccine (mRNA-4157) reduced melanoma recurrence risk by 44% in clinical trials.
More than 120 cancer vaccine clinical trials are active globally, targeting multiple cancer types.
What vaccines should cancer survivors get?
COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, shingles (Shingrix), RSV, and Hepatitis B, as recommended by the CDC and major oncology organisations.
Cancer treatments can suppress immune function for months or even years after therapy ends. In some cases, survivors may lose immunity previously gained from childhood or adult vaccinations.
As a result, cancer survivors face an increased risk of severe complications from infections such as influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce infection-related hospitalisations, complications, and mortality in cancer survivors.
Recommended vaccines for cancer survivors commonly include:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Annual influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine
- Shingles vaccine (Shingrix)
- RSV vaccine (for eligible patients)
- Hepatitis B vaccine
Your oncologist will determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your treatment history, immune status, and age.
Recommended Preventive Vaccines for Cancer Survivors
1. COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 remains a serious risk for immunocompromised individuals, including cancer survivors. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are safe and strongly recommended. There is no scientific evidence linking mRNA vaccines to cancer development or recurrence.
Patients with weakened immunity may require booster doses every six months. Your oncologist will recommend the optimal schedule.
2. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Cancer survivors should receive the inactivated flu vaccine annually. Influenza can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and sepsis, in individuals with weakened immunity.
The nasal spray flu vaccine, which contains live virus, is generally not recommended for immunocompromised patients.
3. Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia)
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Survivors who have undergone chemotherapy, splenectomy, or stem cell transplantation are particularly vulnerable and should remain up to date with pneumococcal vaccination.
4. Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
Shingrix is a non-live vaccine recommended for cancer survivors, especially those aged 50 and above or those with weakened immunity. Shingles can cause severe nerve pain and complications, and cancer survivors are at higher risk.
5. RSV Vaccine
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious respiratory illness in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Newly approved RSV vaccines provide protection for eligible cancer survivors, particularly those with lung involvement or weakened immunity.
6. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Cancer survivors who have received blood transfusions, stem cell transplants, or immunosuppressive therapy may require Hepatitis B vaccination or boosters. Blood tests can determine whether additional doses are necessary.
Important Vaccination Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors should follow these key vaccination principles:
- Always consult your oncologist before receiving any vaccine
- Avoid live vaccines during active treatment or severe immunosuppression
- Stem cell transplant survivors may require complete revaccination
- Family members should remain fully vaccinated to protect the survivor (cocooning strategy)
- Vaccine timing should be coordinated with immune recovery after treatment
Individualised vaccination planning is essential for safety and effectiveness.
What is a therapeutic cancer vaccine?
A therapeutic cancer vaccine is a treatment that teaches the immune system to recognise cancer-specific proteins (called neoantigens) and attack any remaining or returning tumour cells. Unlike preventive vaccines, they are given after a cancer diagnosis or surgery.
Personalised mRNA Cancer Vaccines
Personalised mRNA vaccines are tailored to each patient’s tumour profile. These vaccines help the immune system recognize tumor-specific proteins and target cancer cells.
Clinical trials have shown promising results:
- Reduced recurrence risk in melanoma when combined with immunotherapy
- Strong immune responses in pancreatic cancer patients
- Potential prevention of recurrence in kidney cancer after surgery
Regulatory approval for several mRNA cancer vaccines is expected between 2026 and 2027.
DNA Cancer Vaccines
DNA cancer vaccines use genetic instructions to stimulate immune cells to attack cancer. Early clinical trials have demonstrated improved survival and reduced recurrence in certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.
These vaccines represent an emerging area of cancer treatment.
Access to Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines
Currently, most therapeutic cancer vaccines are available through clinical trials. Cancer survivors interested in these treatments should discuss the following with their oncologist:
- Eligibility for clinical trials
- Tumor genomic profiling
- Availability at specialised cancer centres
Clinical trials provide access to the most advanced cancer vaccine therapies.
Vaccination Is Essential for Long-Term Cancer Survivorship
Cancer survivorship requires ongoing preventive care, monitoring, and immune protection. Vaccines play a vital role in protecting survivors from serious infections and supporting long-term recovery.
Preventive vaccines reduce infection risk, while therapeutic cancer vaccines offer new hope for preventing cancer recurrence.
Cancer survivors should review their vaccination history with their oncologist and develop a personalised vaccination plan based on their cancer type, treatment history, and immune recovery.
Vaccination is a powerful tool in protecting health and supporting long-term remission.
FAQs
Can cancer survivors get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended. Immunocompromised survivors may require additional boosters.
Which vaccines should cancer survivors avoid?
Live vaccines such as FluMist, MMR, varicella, and yellow fever should be avoided during active treatment or weakened immunity.
Do cancer vaccines already exist?
Yes. Preventive vaccines like HPV and therapeutic vaccines such as Provenge exist. Personalised cancer vaccines are in advanced clinical trials.
When can survivors get vaccinated after chemotherapy?
Vaccination is usually recommended 3–6 months after chemotherapy, depending on immune recovery.
Are cancer vaccines covered by insurance?
Most preventive vaccines are covered. Clinical trial vaccines are typically free, while future coverage will depend on insurance policies.