At UPMC, we recommend women begin to get a yearly mammogram at age 40. If you are 40 and older, you do not need a prescription for your annual routine screening mammogram. We also encourage people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated. If you do not currently have a mammogram appointment, you may want to consider scheduling your mammogram around the vaccine — as long as you’re not delaying care. Swollen lymph nodes are a rare side effect of the vaccine, and they could affect the reading of your mammogram. To avoid any potential issues, the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommends scheduling your mammogram either:
Before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Four weeks after getting your final dose of the vaccine.
Mammograms are a crucial part of maintaining your overall breast health. If you already have a mammogram appointment scheduled for less than four weeks after your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you do not have to reschedule it over concerns about this side effect. If you feel strongly about rescheduling, you should reschedule your mammogram for before your scheduled vaccine appointment. If your mammography appointment is less than 4 weeks after getting the vaccine, tell your technician which arm you used to received the vaccine and whether you received the first or second dose. If you need a mammogram and don’t yet have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, you should try to schedule your mammogram appointment now. If you do have a vaccine appointment, you should keep that appointment and try to schedule a routine screening mammogram 4 weeks after receiving the final dose. If your mammogram appointment is not scheduled yet, call us at 412-641-4700 or 1-800-649-4077. We will work with you to accommodate easy access now or 4 weeks after you receive the second vaccine dose if you desire. If you have a suspicious lump or swelling in your breast, contact your doctor immediately about scheduling a diagnostic mammogram.