Actress Rachel Griffiths, 53, Wants Cancer Patients Prioritized During the Covid-19 Pandemic; Urges People to Get the Vaccine

In a post on Instagram, the Six Feet Under star shares a piece written by oncologist Dr. Ranjana Srivastava who was forced to move a dying cancer patient out of the ICU to make room for an unvaccinated Covid-19 patient.

Griffiths writes passionately, “How anti vaxers ‘personal freedom’ is colliding with our finite health system . I’m just hoping my mate who is living with cancer’s family don’t watch him be ‘turned off ‘ so the unvaxed can be given a second chance . How can we put our front line workers into these terrible ethical dilemmas ?…”

 

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A post shared by Rachel Griffiths (@rachelgriffithsofficial)

“Please – if not for you think about the ambo YOU WILL CALL and the VENTILATOR – YOU WILL WANT if COVID overwhelms your imunity and infiltrates your genetic suseptibility . Our health work force are 2 years in . 2 years of double and triple shifts . 2 years of full PPE . 2 years of no holidays and they still have to deal with you….. denying begging crying remorseful ….and DYING … which is actually upsetting for them . When a doctor or nurse loses a patient who could have been saved it’s actually a real blow . True fact . #ranjanasrivastava”

It’s really important to get the Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot if you’re eligible and able. We don’t live in a vacuum; similar to the way we all must stop at red traffic lights because we live in a society with rules and considerations for other people, we need to consider the health and wellness of other people and get the vaccine, even if you’d prefer not to. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for those you care about around you.

The Covid-19 Vaccine for Cancer Patients

Some treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, blunt the immune system, meaning a person with cancer could be more likely to contract Covid-19. People battling cancer should get the Covid-19 vaccine too if they’re eligible and able. One of the few populations that may be advised not to get the vaccine is people battling blood cancer. If you’re among this group, speak with your oncologist about the best course of action for you.

Dr. Vincent Rajkumar, a doctor from the Mayo Clinic, spoke in an earlier interview about the importance of getting vaccinated if you have cancer. He also assures people of vaccine safety, saying, "It is very safe and there is no increased risk to you just because you have cancer."

"As long as you are feeling well, just go ahead with the vaccine whenever it's offered to you. Sometimes even on the same day if you are going to the clinic to get a small dose of chemotherapy and they're giving the vaccine, just get it, there's really no major problem," Dr. Rajkumar says. "The only people for whom we are saying to delay by a month or two are patients who have had a stem cell transplant because we have wiped out (the patients' immune system). And so you want to wait until some of the recovery happens so when you give the vaccine, they have an immune response."

5 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered by Expert Physician

Cancer Screenings During Covid-19

Cancer treatment and cancer screenings still must take place, even during a global pandemic. Make sure you wear your mask, and stay up to date on important cancer screenings like colonoscopies, mammograms, pap smears, PSA tests, and more. Additionally, see your GP regularly for annual check-ups. Nothing is as important as your health; you may love your family more than anything in the world, but if you’re not taking care of your body, it puts your relationship with your family and future time spent with them in jeopardy.

Take precautions when going in for cancer screenings during the pandemic. Wwear an N95 face covering, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. With some easy steps, you can keep yourself as safe as possible. Also, avoid contact with people you know who have recently contracted the Covid-19 virus. For sick loved ones, schedule Zooms or FaceTimes to stay connected, or simple send them a text message or pick up the phone to call them.

Staying connected, and caring for your health, during Covid is important.

Treating Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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