Is it safe to get mammogram after getting COVID shot? Dr. Mallika Marshall answers your questions
BOSTON - Dr. Mallika Marshall is answering your medical questions. If you have a question, email her or message her on Facebook or Twitter.
"GN" writes, "In the past, it was said one shouldn't receive a COVID shot around the time of receiving a mammogram. Is this still true?"
COVID vaccines and boosters can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit on the side where the shot was administered. This is a normal immune response to the vaccine.
Initially, it was advised that women wait 4 to 6 weeks before getting a mammogram so radiologists would not confuse this benign lymph node swelling with cancer.
But doctors now say women should go ahead and get their boosters and their mammograms regardless of timing because both are important and shouldn't be postponed. Just let the technician know if you had a recent vaccine (not only a COVID vaccine/booster) and in which arm.
You may need a few additional pictures or a brief follow-up, but you should not delay getting your mammograms.
Dr. Mallika is offering her best advice, but as always, consult your personal doctor before making any decisions about your personal health.