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PsychOncology Program
Sort through the emotional issues unique to cancer.
Share Your Story
Watch Sandy Hackett's digital story about working through her cancer treatment.
Online Makes it Easy to Connect
Visit the new patient portal, MyUofMHealth.org, and see the features for yourself.
Cancer Recipes Just for you
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Find a Clinical Trial:
This page provides links to clinical trials by cancer type.
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Pharmacist's Corner
by Emily Mackler, Pharm.D., Symptom Management and Supportive Care Program

Flu season is upon us with expected peaks in January and February. Because people with cancer already have weakened immune systems, we get a lot of questions about whether patients and their families should get vaccinated.

Learn More:

Read Flu Facts for People with Cancer

Read what the Center for Disease Control is saying about going to a new website seasonal flu vaccines.

I'm on chemotherapy. Should I get a flu vaccine?

Yes, it's incredibly important to receive the flu vaccine to help prevent against serious complications like pneumonia. All Cancer Center patients should receive a flu shot containing an inactivated influenza vaccine. People with cancer should not take the nasal vaccine FluMist because it is made with a live, weakened flu virus.

How long does it take for the flu vaccine to work?

It takes about two weeks after the flu vaccine for antibodies to develop in your body to provide protection against the flu. The timing of this and number of antibodies may vary.

Which vaccine should my family members receive?

We often recommend close family members receive the inactivated influenza vaccine (the shot) because there is a small risk of transmitting the flu from the nasal vaccine FluMist.

If you are a U-M Cancer Center patient

Flu shots are being administered in reception A on level B1 [going to a new websiteView internal map]. Patients can come in and get vaccinated without a scheduled encounter/appointment with their UMCCC provider.

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