At Cancer Care Northwest, we are taking the threat of the Covid-19 virus very seriously. We ask for your understanding as we continue to implement protocols and procedures to help minimize health risks to patients, staff and the community.
Effective April 3, 2023
Face masks are not required within CCNW North, South and Valley Clinics. If you are visiting a CCNW clinic within MultiCare, Providence or Kootenai hospitals, please follow their masking guidelines. If you are experiencing cold/flu symptoms, we kindly ask that you please wear a mask for the health and safety of others. Complimentary face masks are available at any CCNW front desk.
Updated March 17, 2021
At this time, patients may have up to 2 visitors accompany them to their CCNW appointments. All visitors will be required to answer screening questions, participate in a temperature check and wear a mask throughout the duration of their time at CCNW. We kindly ask that all visitors bring their own masks, as we have a limited supply of masks and are reserving these for our immunocompromised patients. These precautionary measures will help to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by eliminating possible exposures.
Reduce your chances of being infected or spreading Covid-19 by taking these steps:
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the CDC's 'How to Protect Yourself' webpage.
Cancer Care Northwest is here to provide our community with the best cancer treatment, even in a time like this. Our full range of services, including medical, radiation and surgical oncology treatment options and as well as clinical trials are available now. Cancer does not stop for COVID-19, and treatment is essential for our patients. We know that some cancer treatments can be safely delayed, while others cannot. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to reschedule or convert an appointment to a telehealth visit, please know that each appointment is evaluated on an individual basis by the provider and patient. The risk of missing a cancer treatment or medical appointment must be weighed against the possibility of exposing a patient to infection.
Cancer Care Northwest is following current CDC recommendations for cancer patients considering COVID-19 vaccination. These vaccines have shown to be safe and effective for the general public; while cancer patients undergoing active treatment were not included in the clinical trials of these vaccinations, there is a large amount of evidence to support their safety in cancer patients. These recommendations are also supported by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). People with weakened immune systems should also be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, as well as the need to continue following current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19.
Additionally, Cancer Care Northwest supports the CDC recommendation that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, which includes patients in active cancer treatment, should receive an additional third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses. The third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be given at least 28 days after a second dose. Studies indicate some immunocompromised people don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do, and may benefit from an additional dose to ensure adequate protection against COVID-19.
Please consult with your CCNW oncologist to determine when and which drug treatments may need modification or schedule changes to support your vaccination goals. Click here to access CCNW's full list of guidelines for cancer patients considering a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you or someone you know has cancer, please visit cancer.gov for helpful information specific to those undergoing cancer treatment.
