Screening mammograms are an important part of every woman’s health
and wellness. Roughly one in eight women will develop breast cancer at
some point in their lives. Early detection is key to treating it, which
is why mammograms and monthly self-breast exams are so important. Screening
mammography is the first line of defense against this disease, and it
is recommended that all women schedule a mammogram once a year when they
turn 40 (or sooner if recommended by their doctor based on their risk factors).
COVID-19 Vaccines and Mammograms – What You Need to Know
For women receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, special considerations apply
when scheduling their annual screening mammogram. The Society of Breast
Imaging (SBI) recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and screening mammograms
be spaced out in one of the two ways below:
Get your screening mammogram before your COVID-19 vaccination, OR
Get your screening mammogram 6 weeks after your final dose of COVID-19 vaccine
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires a single dose. The Pfizer-BioNTech
and Moderna vaccines each require two doses. Screening mammograms may
be scheduled 6 weeks after your
single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or 6 weeks after your
second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
Why Do They Need to Be Separated?
Some women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine develop swollen lymph nodes
under their arm on the same side as their vaccine injection. This is the
normal immune reaction to a vaccine, and has rarely been reported with
other vaccines, including influenza and HPV vaccinations. However, higher
rates of swollen lymph nodes have been reported with the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccines, and more recently with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
These swollen lymph nodes usually return to normal on their own in a few
days or weeks.
Breast radiologists look closely for any changes on your mammogram. Swollen
lymph nodes under one arm can be seen on a mammogram and can be a rare
sign of breast cancer.
To avoid confusing a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine with swollen lymph
nodes from another cause, patients are asked to separate their vaccination
and screening mammogram in the manner described above.
What if My Vaccination Appointment is Already Scheduled?
You should keep your vaccination appointment. Vaccination is a critical
step in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring you stay healthy.
If you already have a vaccination appointment, please take the following
information into consideration regarding scheduling of screening vs. diagnostic
mammograms:
Screening Mammograms: Consider rescheduling your annual screening mammogram to a date before
your vaccine if possible. Our team can assist you with rescheduling your
appointment. Or, wait until 6 weeks after your final dose of vaccine to
schedule your screening mammogram.
Diagnostic Mammograms: If you have a symptom or a concern (lump, pain, or any change in your
breast you are concerned about), please do not delay; we encourage you
to schedule a diagnostic mammogram immediately even if you have recently
received the vaccine. A diagnostic mammogram is a problem-solving mammogram
used to evaluate the cause of these symptoms.
Please call
540-536-7310 to speak with a member of our team who can answer questions and assist
you with scheduling your mammogram at the Valley Health imaging facility
that is most convenient for you.
Usted puede llamar a Valley Health con la asistencia de un intérprete
si realiza estos pasos:
Llame al
855-857-4423 para comunicarse con un intérprete.
Brinde al intérprete el número
1-540-536-7310 y dígale que le ayude a conectarse para hacer su cita.
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