COVID-19 Vaccines and Cancer Survivors: A Conversation with Cancer Control Expert Otis Brawley, MD

Internationally-recognized cancer control expert and epidemiologist Otis Brawley, MD, joined NCCS CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso to answer questions from cancer survivors and patient advocates about COVID-19 and the vaccines developed to fight it.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Shelley Fuld Nasso
02:34 Dr. Brawley’s Opening Comments
09:56 Why are cancer patients at higher risk for COVID-19?
16:24 Differences in the vaccines
20:59 Are any of the vaccines better for cancer patients/survivors?
22:25 Single-dose vaccine efficacy
26:45 Should cancer care providers distribute vaccines?
30:15 Vaccination in the African American community
32:41 On being hesitant/skeptical of the vaccines. How were they approved so quickly?
37:23 Allergic reactions to the vaccine
40:00 For those with chemical sensitivities
40:34 What is safe behavior after vaccination?
42:35 Will we need annual COVID shots?
45:11 Herd immunity discussion
48:05 The vaccines do not increase cancer risk
50:05 Does being asplenic have an affect on immunity?
51:00 Vaccines for kids and childhood cancer survivors
52:57 Should Mammography screenings be postponed after the 2nd shot?
54:18 Does the vaccine cause an inflammatory response in the body?
57:56 Can taking the vaccine cause an auto-immune condition to resurface?
58:56 Conclusion

Recorded on February 23, 2021, hosted by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS).