Since before the pandemic, cancer patients were only too well aware that the healthcare system often could not accommodate even their most basic needs, leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment and care, and poorer health outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically exacerbated these problems.

Now, with the potential for vaccines to curb the spread of COVID-19, a big question for cancer patients is how the 2-dose vaccines should be administered.

There are currently 3 vaccines approved and being rolled out across Canada, each based on a two-dose regimen, and each with different recommended dosing intervals based on the clinical trial testing conditions:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine – 2 doses, 21 days apart
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine – 2 doses, 4 weeks apart
• AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine – 2 doses, between 4 and 12 weeks apart

The rollout by the provinces and territories is generally not following those dosing intervals. As of April 7, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), published its most recent statement on extended dosing intervals, continuing to recommend an extended interval of up to four months to rapidly provide vaccine to as many people as possible.

Oncology patient groups, doctors and other supporters have made numerous attempts to ensure that cancer patients get vaccines according to the best available research and clinical evidence.

We have written to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Federal and Provincial Ministries of Health, and Public Health officials, to no avail.

It is time to change that. It is time for cancer patient voices to be heard.

On behalf of a group of national cancer organizations, we are committed to bringing your voices to the forefront.

Support us as we call on our governments to ensure that cancer patients receive COVID-19 vaccination doses according to the best available evidence, taking into consideration the unique needs of this population.