Can I receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after having had breast surgery?
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
However, if the surgery was recent and the wound has not yet healed or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, vaccination might exacerbate local reactions and impair wound healing. Additionally, if the patient is undergoing subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or experiencing physical discomforts like fever or chest tightness, vaccination should be postponed until treatment is completed and the patient has recovered, to avoid increasing the body's burden.
Generally, individuals who have recovered well from breast surgery and whose condition is stable can receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, vaccination should be postponed during the postoperative recovery period or if experiencing physical discomfort. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an individual assessment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the surgical wound has healed completely after breast surgery, with no signs of infection, and overall health has returned to normal—without symptoms such as fever or fatigue—receiving the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will not interfere with postoperative recovery. In these individuals, immune function is generally stable, and vaccination can effectively boost antibody levels, providing more comprehensive protection.
However, if the surgery was recent, the wound has not fully healed, or there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, vaccination may exacerbate local reactions and impair wound healing. Additionally, if the patient is undergoing subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or is experiencing physical discomfort like fever or chest tightness, vaccination should be delayed until treatment is completed and the body has sufficiently recovered, to avoid increasing physical stress.
Prior to vaccination, patients should proactively inform their doctor about the timing of surgery, recovery status, and any planned follow-up treatments. If persistent discomfort or unusual reactions occur after vaccination, prompt medical attention is advised.
