Multiple myeloma patients are often immunosuppressed for months following treatments such as maintenance therapies, immunosuppressive drugs, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and CAR-T therapies. They are at higher risk for serious complications from the SARS-CoV-2 virus leading to hospitalizations and ICU admissions. There is no data available on the efficacy and safety of the currently available vaccines in this population and the myeloma patient community is confused whether they should or should not get vaccinated.

However, the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) supports that this vulnerable population of patients should be prioritized to be vaccinated as early as possible along with their caregivers when vaccine supply permits. We are talking to infectious disease expert Dr Zainab Shahid of Levine Cancer Institute / Carolinas Healthcare System to understand the various nuances around Covid19 vaccinations in multiple myeloma patients and learn more about the appropriate time of administration.