This page provides a collection of articles, frequently asked questions and interviews with international MPN specialist haematologists and immunologists about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations.
As of October 2021, from quality evidence based sources, we have noted four important findings relating to COVID-19 and MPN patients.
- It is recommended that MPN patients be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Third dose – October 2021 advice from ATAGI recommends a third primary dose of vaccine for severely immunocompromised patients. The advice further elaborates that this includes patients with haematological malignancies. There is advice about particular vaccines and the timing of a third dose, which should be exactly within 2-6 months of your second dose. If you have queries, we suggest that you reach out to your GP or specialist.
- Vaccinated MPN patients should continue to follow COVID-19 safe protocols, including following risk mitigation strategies (mask wearing and social distancing) and having family and household contacts vaccinated, although antibody responses from MPN patients to COVID-19 vaccines are reportedly effective.
- For MPN patients on ruxolitinib therapy who have a COVID-19 diagnosis, strong advice is that ruxolitinib treatment should continue during treatment for COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine specific information for haematology patients
COVID-19 vaccinations – Leukaemia Foundation (Australia) – regularly updated, evidence based information for Australian blood cancer patients.
The page includes a link to the September 2021 webinar ‘COVID-19 vaccinations, fact and fiction’.
ATAGI Joint statement from ATAGI and Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, May 2021
ATAGI ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised, October 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine in patients with haematological disorders – British Society for Haematology guidelines
NCCN COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for cancer patients – USA’s National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendations – regularly updated, 2021
COVID-19 and MPN specific information
What are the long term effects of COVID 19 in patients with MPN – courtesy of MPN-Hub, short video from Dr Tiziano Barbui, July 2021
High mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms after abrupt withdrawal of ruxolitinib,
2021, Nature Public Health Emergency Collection
Essential Thrombocythemia is associated with a higher risk of thrombosis during COVID 19 – MPN-Hub, March 2021
COVID-19 Astra Zeneca vaccine and the risk of blood clots – MPN Voice UK – April 2021
COVID-19 and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Frequently Asked Questions – American Society of Hematology
Ruben Mesa short video on MPNs and COVID-19 – courtesy of the MPN Advocacy & Education International
More general COVID-19 information
New Clinical Guidelines on COVID-19 Published for Haematology and Oncology – Medical Journal of Australia
Cancer and COVID-19 – Cancer Council of Australia
Blood Cancer and COVID-19 – Leukaemia Foundation
COVID-19 information in graphics, including translations – NSW government
Translated COVID-19 information – Victorian government
CORONACAST podcast – the ABC’s Dr Norman Swan
Non COVID-19 related MPN guidelines and articles, including latest information from ASH are available HERE.
Keeping well with an MPN
In these uncertain times it’s even more important to look after our health when we have an MPN.
Our website has several pages dedicated to helping you to keep well with an MPN. They include:
- Accredited Practising Dietitian Nathalie Cook’s advice for MPN patients on looking after cardio-vascular health as well as the value of maintaining muscle strength.
- a meditation from Asher Packman.
