Influenza vaccination in patients with cancer: factors associated with vaccination practices for patients and their household members

The evaluation of vaccination status and the factors affecting vaccination in cancer patients

Background and aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased the mortality of cancer patients by causing direct infection or collateral damage to the healthcare system. After the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 infection, mortality rates declined. In this study, we try to investigate the vaccination among cancer patients. Material and Methods: A survey was applied to patients with cancer in order to investigate the attitudes towards vaccination and the factors effecting vaccination in two medical oncology centers in Turkey. Results: 271 patients were included in the study. No difference was observed in the attitudes of patients towards vaccination according to cancer type. 83% of the patients were vaccinated against COVID-19. In 75% of the study population, vaccine was administered in the earliest available time. Receiving chemotherapy was the most significant reason to avoid vaccination among the study group (p=0,002). There was no significant difference in terms of treatment type for COVID-19 between patients with or without adequate vaccination. The most negative factor affecting vaccination was active chemotherapy treatment. Social relations and traditional media were the most positive factors for vaccination. Discussion: Vaccination is of vital importance for patients who are treated or on remission. Even if patients are to receive chemotherapy, they should be informed about vaccination and should be encouraged for vaccination.

Investigation of anxiety sensitivity levels of cancer patients in terms of COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Our study's purpose was to investigate the viewpoints of cancer patients who had not yet been vaccinated. Cancer patients usually cannot get every vaccine because their immunity is low. For this reason, we aimed to detect their anxiety and curiosity for new vaccines for a new disease.

METHODS

The goal of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate cancer patients' perceptions of COVID vaccination. Over 18 years of age who have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 and who agreed to participate were included in the study. We applied three questionnaires between May and June 2021, one of them was prepared by us; the other two questionnaires were The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form and Anxiety Sensitivity index to a total of 497 participants. Chi-square, Spearmen correlation test, and multivariable multinomial logistic regression tests were used when comparing.

RESULTS

Our participants' ages were between 21 and 88, with a mean age of 61.38 (SD = 11.68), 48.6% (n = 251) of the participants were female. We discovered that 79.1% (n = 408) of respondents were not afraid of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 27.7% (n = 143) of these patients were concerned about the COVID-19 vaccine's adverse effects, and 24.2% (n = 125) were afraid of its side effects with their treatments. 91.1% (n = 470) of the patients did not know which vaccine they would have and the type of the vaccine. Since the anxiety level is generally higher in women, anxiety scores were also higher in cancers seen in women, such as breast and ovarian cancer. Of course, in parallel with this, anxiety scores were lower in prostate cancers. Special patient groups should not be neglected during this vaccine season, and their concerns should be addressed. When a new vaccine is found, it can have long-term effects, which should not be ignored.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology Clinic of University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The pandemic of Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a major public health challenge, and an effective vaccine is the potential mechanism to resolve this specific situation. The present study aimed to evaluate acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among patients attending the Oncology Clinic of University Clinical Hospital Mostar.

Material/Methods

This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 364 patients with cancer from the Oncology Clinic of University Clinical Hospital Mostar during February 2021. Data were collected using a questionnaire that captured general information about the participants and their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Of the participants, 41.8% answered “Yes” when asked if they would take the vaccine once it becomes available, 37.6% answered “Not sure”, and 20.6% answered “No”. For patients in favor of vaccination, the main reasons reported were fear of getting sick (77.6%), the desire to contribute to herd immunity (57.8%), and trusting the recommendations of health professionals (57.2%). The main reasons for the patients’ vaccination refusal/indecision were doubts about the results from clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines (49.1%), concerns about adverse effects (24.5%), and confusion about the various vaccine options (19.8%). The majority of participants (82.4%) stated that recommendation by their oncologist could influence their decision about vaccination. Of the participants who indicated unwillingness (refusal or indecision) to be vaccinated against COVID-19, 65.3% stated that recommendation by their oncologist could influence their decision about vaccination.

Conclusions

The findings from the present study showed most patients had refused or were indecisive regarding immunization with COVID-19 vaccine. Increasing physician awareness of this situation may result in higher rates of vaccination.

Influence of Health Beliefs on COVID-19 Vaccination among Individuals with Cancer and Other Comorbidities in Puerto Rico

Ethnic minority populations are more likely to suffer from chronic comorbidities, making them more susceptible to the poor health outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection. Therefore, ensuring COVID-19 vaccination among vulnerable populations is of utmost importance. We aimed to investigate health behaviors and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination among adults self-reporting diagnosis of cancer and of other chronic comorbidities in Puerto Rico (PR). This secondary analysis used data from 1911 participants who completed an online survey from December 2020 to February 2021. The Health Belief Model was used to measure perceptions surrounding COVID-19 vaccination among individuals self-reporting diagnosis of cancer and of other chronic comorbidities, and healthy adults. Among study participants, 76% were female, 34% were 50 years or older, 5% self-reported cancer diagnosis, and 70% had other chronic comorbidities. Participants self-reporting a cancer diagnosis had two times higher odds of getting vaccinated than healthy individuals (95% CI: 1.00-4.30). Compared to healthy participants, those self-reporting being diagnosed with cancer and those with chronic conditions other than cancer had significantly higher perceived COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Our findings elucidate the effect of disease status on health-related decision-making and highlights information needed to be included in education campaigns to increase vaccine uptake among ethnic minority populations.

Attitudes of Patients with Cancer towards Vaccinations-Results of Online Survey with Special Focus on the Vaccination against COVID-19

Recently developed COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe coronavirus disease, which is essential in the particularly vulnerable cancer patient population. There is a growing anti-vaccine concern that may affect the success of the fight against the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. To evaluate opinions and attitudes toward vaccination, we conducted an anonymous online survey among Polish patients diagnosed with cancer. We analyzed how socio-demographic factors, type of cancer, comorbidities, previous influenza vaccinations, and information sources affect the general willingness and opinions about vaccinations, emphasizing vaccination against COVID-19. Six hundred thirty-five patients (80.2% female) participated in the study. A positive attitude towards vaccination was presented by 73.7%, neutral by 17.8%, while negative by 8.5%. Willingness to get vaccinated was declared by 60.3%, 23.5% were unwilling, and 16.2% were undecided. Significant predictors of willingness were education, marital status, active anti-cancer treatment, previous influenza vaccination, and positive attitude towards vaccinations. Patients with cancer have concerns regarding safety, effectiveness, and the process of development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, patients with cancer present positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination but required sufficient information on its efficacy and side effects.

Infectious diseases in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: prevention and prophylaxis strategy guidelines 2016

Infectious complications after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remain a clinical challenge. This is a guideline provided by the AGIHO (Infectious Diseases Working Group) of the DGHO (German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology). A core group of experts prepared a preliminary guideline, which was discussed, reviewed, and approved by the entire working group. The guideline provides clinical recommendations for the preventive management including prophylactic treatment of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases. The guideline focuses on antimicrobial agents but includes recommendations on the use of vaccinations. This is the updated version of the AGHIO guideline in the field of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation utilizing methods according to evidence-based medicine criteria.