Should I have the COVID-19 vaccine?
The vaccine is an important way for people at higher risk from COVID-19 to protect themselves from getting seriously ill from it.
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- How will coronavirus affect people with pancreatic cancer?
- Coronavirus vaccine and pancreatic cancer
Although the COVID-19 pandemic was several years ago, if you have pancreatic cancer, you may be at risk of getting seriously ill if you get it. This information explains why people with pancreatic cancer are at higher risk from COVID-19, the vaccine, and treatments for COVID-19.
The information here is based on the national guidance across the UK. It was accurate when it was published, and we update it regularly, but things do change. Check what the NHS says locally about what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19, the vaccine and treatments:
Why are people with pancreatic cancer more at risk of getting ill from COVID-19?
People who have cancer and are having some types of treatment may be more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they get COVID-19. This may include the following people:
- People with locally advanced or advancer cancer that can’t be removed with surgery.
- People who are having chemotherapy, or had it in the last 12 months. This is because chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight an infection.
- People who are having radiotherapy to treat the cancer, or have had it in the last 12 months.
- People who have had surgery to remove the cancer in the last 3 months. If you had surgery in the last 3-12 months and have not had chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your risk of getting seriously ill may reduce. But it may still be higher than people who have not had cancer.
- People having immunotherapy and people taking steroids for more than a month may also be more at risk.
Read more about the vaccine
COVID-19 and chemotherapy
If you are having chemotherapy, you are at higher risk of getting seriously unwell from COVID-19. The medical team may take precautions to reduce the risk of you catching COVID-19. For example, you may need to take a COVID-19 test before your appointment if you have any symptoms or feel more unwell than usual. If you haven’t yet had the vaccine, your doctor may advise you to have it.
Chemotherapy and infections
If you are having chemotherapy, you are at higher risk of getting any infection, not just COVID-19.
Your chemotherapy team should give you a 24 hour emergency number to call if you are unwell or have symptoms of an infection. If you feel unwell, contact this number.
Can I have treatment for COVID-19?
If you are at higher risk from COVID-19, you may be able to have treatment for it if you do get it. These treatments can help reduce the risk of getting seriously ill.
Your specialist should be able to let you know if you are eligible for these treatments. Check with your specialist if you think you are eligible but haven’t been told about it.
Read more about treatments for COVID-19, and what to do if you get symptoms at:
- the NHS website if you live in England
- NHS inform if you live in Scotland
- the Welsh government website for Wales
- nidirect in Northern Ireland
Speak to our specialist nurses
If you are worried or have questions about COVID-19, you can also speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line.
Updated: August 2026