Benjamin H Chin-Yee1, Katherine Monkman, Zafar Hussain, Leonard A Minuk. 1. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine and London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with hematologic malignancies are at increased risk of influenza and its complications. Despite current health recommendations and evidence favoring influenza vaccination, vaccination rates remain low in cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine which factors influenced vaccination rates. METHODS: During the 2009-2010 pandemic H1N1 and seasonal influenza season, we surveyed patients with hematologic malignancies in a Canadian cancer center. Of the patients participating in our study (n = 129), 66% and 57% received the H1N1 pandemic influenza and seasonal influenza vaccines, respectively. RESULTS: A number of reasons for vaccination refusal were reported, most relating to general skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccination. Physician advice was also a factor influencing vaccination rates in patients. The vaccination rate for seasonal influenza was 39% in patients < 65 years old, significantly lower than the rate of 73% reported for patients aged > or = 65 years (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Future education programs should target younger patient populations and health-care workers, focusing on vaccine safety and efficacy in the high-risk cancer population.
BACKGROUND:Patients with hematologic malignancies are at increased risk of influenza and its complications. Despite current health recommendations and evidence favoring influenza vaccination, vaccination rates remain low in cancerpatients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine which factors influenced vaccination rates. METHODS: During the 2009-2010 pandemic H1N1 and seasonal influenza season, we surveyed patients with hematologic malignancies in a Canadian cancer center. Of the patients participating in our study (n = 129), 66% and 57% received the H1N1 pandemic influenza and seasonal influenza vaccines, respectively. RESULTS: A number of reasons for vaccination refusal were reported, most relating to general skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccination. Physician advice was also a factor influencing vaccination rates in patients. The vaccination rate for seasonal influenza was 39% in patients < 65 years old, significantly lower than the rate of 73% reported for patients aged > or = 65 years (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Future education programs should target younger patient populations and health-care workers, focusing on vaccine safety and efficacy in the high-risk cancer population.
Authors: Dong W Shin; Yeol Kim; Jong H Park; Juhee Cho; Hyun J Jho; Hyung-Kook Yang; Hyun S Kim; So Y Kim Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Date: 2012-05-10 Impact factor: 4.380