During treatment for childhood cancer, which statement is true regarding immunizations?

• A. Children continue to receive immunizations as usual
• B. Only live vaccines are held during active chemotherapy
• C. Immunizations are not given during active chemotherapy
• D. No family member should be immunized while the child is receiving chemotherapy

Answer: (C)

During active chemotherapy, a child’s immune system is suppressed, making them highly vulnerable to infections and to adverse effects from vaccines. Live vaccines contain replicating organisms and can cause illness in an immunocompromised person, so they are not given during this time. That’s why immunizations are not administered while chemotherapy is ongoing. After treatment ends and immune function has recovered, vaccines can be resumed according to guidelines, with timing tailored to the patient’s recovery and counts. Keeping household contacts up to date with vaccines is still encouraged to reduce exposure risk for the child, rather than avoiding all family immunizations.