Vaccination is not a guarantee of immunity. No one of any scientific legitimacy (including the ignominious Dr. Fauci) is claiming that it is. The whole “either it works universally or not at all” fallacy displays a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation.

The shots currently being used in the US report efficacy between 70%-90%- which is good- but it is still very possible to be vaccinated & not develop immunity. (Remember TEM & the “Swiss cheese” model? Me being vaccinated makes transmission between us unlikely- not impossible. Both of us being vaccinated gives both of us exponentially greater protection.)

But here’s the part you should really understand so you can make an informed decision: THOSE NUMBERS ARE BASED ON A NORMALLY FUNCTIONING IMMUNE SYSTEM. Chemo can weaken the immune system, meaning someone on chemo (or with any form of immuno deficiency) is less likely to achieve immunity through immunization than you or me. How much less likely? Unfortunately that’s a complex question & we still don’t have good data on that.

So yes, life is full of calculated risks. But if you are treating an immuno-compromised loved one as though they are bullet proof just because they’ve had the shot, please consider reevaluating that calculus. You can transmit the virus to them, they can be infected, and their bodies may not be able to resist that infection. If you refuse to be vaccinated, you should at least be very mindful about your interactions with this person if you care about them.