Following coverage today of a study which suggests blood cancer patients are significantly less protected against Covid-19 than other people after one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan says:
‘This is a concerning study and many blood cancer patients will be anxious about what this means for them. These interim results from a relatively small group of patients, it demonstrates why blood cancer patients must be given the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine within 21 days, so they receive the best possible protection. Rather than the current Government policy of delaying the first and second doses of vaccines.
‘We strongly encourage patients to take the vaccine when it is offered as it is safe to have and still offers more protection than you would otherwise have. If you have questions, please speak to your healthcare team.
‘The more people who are vaccinated in communities across the UK the better it is for blood cancer patients, who will benefit. We are seeking an urgent meeting with the JCVI so that the voices of blood cancer and blood disorder patients are heard, and considered, as decisions are made about future vaccine strategy.
‘The shielding programme is due to end in 20 days and patients still need to be supported. Today’s news makes it even more urgent that the Government must, as a priority, confirm how they will step up to support clinically extremely vulnerable patients.
‘For anybody struggling to comprehend what this study means for them, our Patient Services Team is here for you: call 0303 303 0303 or email patientinfo@anthonynolan.org. ’