The Leukaemia Foundation has responded to the National Cabinet’s announcement to end the mandatory COVID-19 isolation period this month.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said adult blood cancer patients who contract COVID-19 face a one in three chance of death.
This is significantly higher than non-immunocompromised patients and the announcement will likely prompt further anxiety for Australians living with blood cancer, the foundation said.
“For some of our most vulnerable Australians, including those living with blood cancer, there’s a fear that they are being ‘left behind’ as they continue to face the very real threat of serious illness from COVID-19,” Mr Tanti said.
“We know the COVID vaccine isn’t is as effective for blood cancer patients, therefore we ask the State and Territory governments to ensure timely and transparent access to COVID treatments.”