As the COVID-19 respiratory virus spreads, please know that the IMF is here for you.
Featured are Dr. Durie’s blogs and FAQs, aimed specifically at multiple myeloma patients, and links to the best sources of COVID-19 news.
On Monday, November 29, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) called the risks posed by the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, B.1.1.529, “very high,” the New York Times reports. The variant’s number of mutations — including up to 32 variations in the spike protein — means that there could be future surges of Covid-19.
While the variant may be more transmissible than prior versions of the virus, experts say existing vaccines are likely to offer protection from severe illness and death. Researchers await new data to understand more about B.1.1.529.
In the meantime, the CDC has issued a statement on Omicron recommending that people follow these prevention strategies:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission
- Wash your hands frequently
- Physically distance from others
- Protect yourself from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated (everyone 5 years and older)
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are eligible
Please be safe and well, and please contact the IMF InfoLine with any questions
Read this page for the IMF’s latest recommendations on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if you have multiple myeloma (MM), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
The promise of major progress in our understanding of myeloma from research at ASH this year coincided with concerning news of a new COVID-19 variant. IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie examines both.
published December 2, 2021
As we head into the holiday season and into 2022, new tools will make it easier to stay safe from COVID-19 infections, including boosters, anti-viral treatments and the wider availability of rapid COVID tests.
published November 18, 2021
There is good news (booster rollouts, efficacy of vaccines in children) and a few cautions (the appearance of a new Delta-plus variant, flying cautions) this week in the world of pandemic updates, says IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie.
published October 28, 2021
Time has shown that vaccines work well to keep people out of the ICUs and that giving sensible, flexible guidance—like Germany has done successfully— leads to compliance and better results for everyone, says IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie.
published October 14, 2021
#ASKDRDURIE COVID-19 FAQs
As the COVID-19 respiratory virus spreads across the country and around the world, myeloma patient safety is a paramount concern of patients, families and caregivers.
Watch Dr. Durie's COVID-19 FAQ video series to learn more how COVID-19 has affected the myeloma community.
Videos in the COVID-19 FAQ Series
- How can myeloma pts reduce the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus?
- What do myeloma patients need to know about COVID-19?
- Do myeloma patients need to adjust their treatment?
- What are some of the treatment modifications myeloma patients should consider?
- What are the risk factors that could lead myeloma patients to develop serious consequences from the COVID-19 infection?
- What precautions should myeloma patients take when getting their groceries?
- Is it safe for myeloma patients to take walks?
- Is physical distancing still recommended for myeloma patients?
- Can myeloma patients avoid contracting the COVID-19 infection?
- Should Myeloma patients undergo routine COVID-19 antibody testing?
- Are MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients considered to be at higher risk for severe consequences from a COVID-19 infection?
- If a myeloma patient takes Revlimid® (lenalidomide) as maintenance treatment, should this patient continue with that treatment during the pandemic?
- Is it safe for myeloma patients to resume in-person doctors' visits?
- Should myeloma patients undergo ASCT during the pandemic?
- Is dexamethasone helpful against the COVID-19 infection?
- Is it safe for myeloma patients to travel by airplane?
- How high of a risk do asymptomatic carriers pose to myeloma patients?
- Is Ninlaro® a safe treatment alternative for myeloma patients during the pandemic?
- Should myeloma patients visit the dentist during the pandemic?
- What is a bubble? And should myeloma patients exercise this practice?
- How should myeloma patients conduct their follow-up appointments?
- Have the safety recommendations changed for myeloma patients?
- With the COVID-19 pandemic still a concern, what does the future hold for myeloma patients?
- For myeloma patients, how important is it to wear a mask?
- How can the “Swiss cheese” model help myeloma patients stay safe?
- Should myeloma patients get vaccinated against COVID-19?
- What should myeloma patients know about the COVID-19 variants?
- How can myeloma patients de-stress during the ongoing pandemic?
- Can COVID-19 vaccinations trigger active myeloma?
- Should myeloma patients check their COVID-19 antibody levels post vaccination?
- When can myeloma patients restart therapy after recovering from COVID-19?
- How common are COVID-19 infections in myeloma patients?
- Which COVID-19 vaccine should myeloma patients get?
- How can myeloma patients protect themselves against the Delta variant?
- What should myeloma patients know about antibody testing and booster shots?
- Should myeloma patients get a COVID-19 booster shot?
- Should myeloma patients continue to wear a mask?
- Should myeloma patients undergo an autologous stem cell transplant during the Delta variant surge?
- Which Covid-19 booster is best for myeloma patients?
- Can oral medications for COVID-19 benefit myeloma patients?
- Should myeloma patients change their treatment to try to improve their response to the COVID-19 vaccine?
We wanted to take some time and keep you up to date on the Federal Government’s response regarding COVID-19. We have received a lot of questions from patients and their families about what is included in the government has done to address the virus.
COVID-19 External Resources:
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control
- FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Drug
- Cancer Emergency Fund
- FDA: A Message to Patients With Cancer and Health Care Providers About COVID-19
- FDA Issues Guidance for Conducting Clinical Trials
- US Government Response
- Global Dashboard of confirmed cases
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Watch Out for Medicare Fraud (Possible COVID-19 scams)
- VA and Coronavirus
- The American Red Cross: Steps to Help Cope with the Evolving Coronavirus Situation
- Considerations of COVID-19–Specific Myeloma Guidelines in New York City
- Multiple Myeloma Medicare Access
- PSA Safe Grocery Shopping in COVID-19 Pandemic
- How I Am Managing My Patients With Myeloma During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program - currently closed
- Healthwell Foundation COVID-19 Ancillary Costs Support - currently closed
Pharma Resources:
- Learn how the BMS Foundation is extending additional support "to help eligible unemployed patients in the U.S. who have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the first six months of 2021."
- COVID-19 Emergency Food Assistance Program by Team Rubicon and Bristol Myers Squibb
- GSK COVID-19 statement of support Patient Groups
- GSK Compassionate Use (Expanded Access) statement for Patient Groups
- Takeda Oncology Expands Patient Assistance in the U.S. During COVID-19 Crisis
- Takeda Oncology 1 Point portal
- Bristol Myers Squibb COVID-19 patient support
- Global Plasma Leaders Collaborate to Accelerate Development of Potential COVID-19 Hyperimmune Therapy
- Sanofi and GSK to join forces in unprecedented vaccine collaboration to fight COVID-19
- Johnson & Johnson Announces a Lead Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19
The International Myeloma Foundation medical and editorial content team
Comprised of leading medical researchers, hematologist, oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, medical editors, and medical journalists, our team has extensive knowledge of the multiple myeloma treatment and care landscape. Additionally, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie reviews and approves all medical content on this website.
Last Medical Review: January 12, 2021