Sarcoma patients overlooked in vaccine protection

Sarcoma cancer patients not receiving same protection from Covid-19 as healthy population due to Pfizer vaccine spacing: Sarcoma UK, the national bone and soft tissue cancer charity, is concerned to hear that a new study suggests cancer patients are not receiving the same protection as others against Covid-19 following one does of the Pfizer vaccine.

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult diagnose and one of the hardest to treat.

Sarcoma UK is calling on the Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to review the results of the study and consider adapting its strategy so that people with cancers can access the second dose of the vaccine more quickly.

Richard Davidson, Chief Executive of Sarcoma UK, said:

‘It’s really worrying to hear that some cancer patients are not receiving the same levels of protection from the virus as healthy people. This news has caused great anxiety for sarcoma patients, whose cancer and its treatment are already seriously compromising their immune systems. A review of the current spacing strategy for the vaccine is needed to ensure the best level of protection for these clinically vulnerable patients.’

Helen Stradling, Support Line Lead said:

‘This is worrying news, but we urge anyone with sarcoma to continue to follow the advice of their treating teams. Anyone who is offered the vaccine should take it and continue to follow government guidelines on shielding and social distancing.’

About sarcoma 

• Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues.
• 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK. That’s about 5,300 people a year.
• There are around 100 different sub-types of sarcoma.