It is critical that provinces and territories prioritize cancer patients and their caregivers during the second phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The pandemic response has inadvertently negatively impacted the lives of cancer patients and survivors. This applies to all cancer patients, and particularly to those with lung cancer, who are uniquely vulnerable to complications if they contract COVID-19 due to their diminished lung function and immunocompromised systems.
The ability of cancer patients to access healthcare and cancer care remains in doubt, and may lead to worse outcomes, including later diagnoses and postponed or missed appointments, tests, or treatments. The anxiety and fear that cancer patients and caregivers are experiencing about contracting COVID-19 can be assuaged by the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccinations of cancer patients and their caregivers so that they feel safe when they go to cancer care appointments.
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network therefore calls on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization as well as the provinces and territories to explicitly include cancer patients and caregivers in Phase 2 immunization plans.