January 2021 - The iCMLf is sharing a statement on COVID-19 vaccines for people with CML.

'At this time, based on best available information, patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are considered appropriate to receive vaccines against COVID-19. While rare special circumstances may exist, most patients, whether early in treatment, in ongoing response, in deep remission, or off therapy having pursued ‘treatment free remission’ are likely appropriate and should pursue vaccination when available to them. In general, neither excess risk of adverse effects or concern over effectiveness are expected for CML patients. Different vaccine strategies, including the novel mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, along with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, appear safe and effective and no preference is noted at this time. Since other health conditions and individual medical histories (including reactions to prior vaccinations) may affect advice, suitability, and timing, discussion with a patient's entire health care team is recommended prior to vaccination. Other vaccines, including the Sputnik V, are under development and available in some countries. There is less information available for these vaccines and thus their safety and efficacy cannot be considered fully evaluable.'

Author: Professor Michael Mauro, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA in consultation with CML experts
This statement was first produced for the American Society of Hematology and is shared with permission from the author.

Please also find links to statements on COVID-19 vaccines for people with CML in other languages:

• Statement in French
• Statement in German
• Statement in Portuguese
• Statement in Russian
• Statement in Spanish
  
  

Other useful statements:

• EHA (European Hematology Association) statement on COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematologic cancer
  
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) information on COVID-19 vaccines
• WHO (World Health Organization) information on COVID-19 vaccines