Respiratory Illness and COVID-19 Vaccine Information for People with Cancer

​​​​​​​​​​​​Page updated: Nov. 9​, 2026

It is possible that people with cancer may have worse symptoms from respiratory viruses. This is because some treatments affect how well their immune system works. Vaccines can help lower your ris​k of severe illness, hospitalization and death. 

The best source of up-to-date information on respiratory viruses including influenza (the flu), COVID-19, RSV and vaccines is the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Learn more about respiratory illness vaccines for people with cancer below.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccines and Cancer

 
  • BC Cancer recommends that all adults with cancer get the flu vaccine every year.
  • People living with cancer are at a higher risk of getting the flu.  Family members, care providers and those in close contact with adults with cancer should also get the flu vaccine.
  • For more information, see BC Cancer​ Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for Adults with Cancer.‎

 
Inactivated influenza (flu) vaccine types for adults
  • People with cancer should get inactivated vaccines.
    • Inactivated vaccines are also called killed or non-live vaccines.
  • Live vaccines are not recommended for people actively receiving cancer treatments. ‎
    • Family, care providers and those in close contact with people with cancer who get a live vaccine (nasal spray FluMist®) should avoid close contact with people with severely low immune systems for at least 2 weeks. This includes people with cancer.

  • For people who will be receiving stem cell transplant or CART therapy, please talk to your cancer doctor for specific instructions.

For more information, see BC Cancer Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for Adults with Cancer.


 
‎Flu vaccine timing in adults with cancer
  • The flu vaccine is most effective when your blood counts are near normal.
  • If possible, you should get your vaccine at least 2 weeks before starting your first dose of chemotherapy. 
  • If you are already receiving chemotherapy, get your vaccine 2 to 3 days before starting your next chemotherapy cycle. We recommend this so we can tell the difference between vaccine-related symptoms and chemotherapy side effects.
  • If you are receiving rituximab or any other immunotherapy, you can get your vaccine at any time.
  • You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as, or any time before or after, the COVID-19 vaccine.

RSV Vaccines and Cancer

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes serious respiratory tract infections. Beginning in the fall 2026, one dose of RSV vaccine is recommended and free of cost to:

  • Adults 75 years of age and older
  • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (Indigenous) individuals 60 years of age and older

For more information, see BC CDC Respiratory illness: Getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines and cancer

COVID-19 vaccination for people with cancer

All of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada are safe for people with cancer.

People with cancer have a higher chance of severe symptoms if they get COVID-19. The way the vaccines work means that there is a chance that your immune system will learn to protect you from serious symptoms of COVID-19. Vaccines remain the best way of protecting yourself against COVID-19.

Information about COVID-19 treatments
​

If you are severely or moderately immunocompromised, you may benefit from COVID-19 treatments.  

If you believe you may be eligible for treatment, visit Government of BC page.​

​​​​​​

 

​COVID-19 and respiratory illness symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you have any symptoms, or are not feeling well, contact your cancer care team. Tell them how you are feeling.  ​Some of your symptoms may be a side effect of treatment. Your oncologist will know more.

We may reschedule your appointment or offer you a virtual appointment.

For more information, visit BC Centre for Dise​ase Control COVID-19 Vaccine​.

​

​

If you are severely or moderately immunocompromised, you may benefit from COVID-19 treatments. If you believe you may be eligible for treatment, go to the Government of BC's COVID-19 treatments page for more information.


​