Influenza viruses, generally referred to as the flu, are present year-round in the United States, but are most common during the fall and winter months.
The best way to protect yourself and those around you, is to receive a yearly flu vaccine.
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. These vaccines have been around for more than 50 years and hundreds of millions of people have been safely vaccinated against the flu virus.
Should cancer patients get the flu shot?
Yes. Most cancer patients should get a flu shot every flu season.
Before doing so, speak with your provider regarding vaccination options and any special considerations.
Anyone caring for or living with an individual with cancer should also receive the flu vaccine.
Who shouldn’t receive the flu shot?
People with cancer generally should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine (brand name FluMist). This form contains a weakened version of the live virus and can cause life-threatening infections for individuals with a weakened immune system. Check with your doctor if you plan to get this nasal spray flu vaccine.
Do not get a flu shot before talking with your doctor if you have:
- a platelet count below 10,000;
- recently undergone or are undergoing a stem cell transplant;
- a previous serious reaction to the flu vaccine;
- a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
If you are not sure whether a flu shot is OK for you, talk with your doctor or another member of your care team, as they will be able to guide you on which vaccines are safe for you.
COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot
If vaccination against flu or COVID-19 is OK for you, then it is also OK to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu shot. This is recommended by health care providers because it is safe and easier for patients to get up to date with vaccinations in one visit.
For more information about the vaccination against flu and COVID-19, check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Flu shots can be administered at
- your primary care doctor’s office
- your local pharmacy
- your local flu shot clinic
- retail pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy or Walgreens.
Individuals receiving treatment at Dana-Farber are encouraged to receive their flu shot at the Institute. If you are currently a patient at Dana-Farber, you can make plans to be vaccinated.
Regardless of status, all patients should ask their healthcare team about their options.
“Every patient, and their treatment plan, is different, but any immunity is better than no immunity,” says Candace Hsieh, RN CIC, infection preventionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
For more information on the flu shot, check the CDC factsheet.
How else can I protect myself from the flu?
Proper handwashing is a simple way to prevent contracting and spreading the flu virus. If soap and water are unavailable, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (that contains at least 60% alcohol) to kill germs.
You should also:
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Always sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as that is an easy way for germs to spread.
If you think you or your child may have the flu, be sure to call a licensed healthcare provider or your care team at Dana-Farber.