What You Need To Know About COVID Vaccines and Mammograms

Unfortunately, misinformation about how the COVID-19 vaccine affects your mammogram is abundant. But Debbie L. Bennett, MD, associate professor of radiology and chief of breast imaging for Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, sat down with FOX 2 News to set the record straight.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Bennett urges women to get their mammograms — with some additional guidelines due to COVID-19 vaccinations. Wait 4-6 six weeks to get a mammogram after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Bennett said. The vaccine can make lymph nodes in your arm appear larger in mammograms, which mimic cancer in rare cases.

“Screening mammograms are one of the most important things that women can do to make sure that they’re here for their families and themselves today and in the future,” Bennett said. She recommends women begin yearly screening mammograms starting at age 40.

Looking to schedule your mammogram? Request an appointment by calling 855-SAFE-RAD.