Perception about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and vaccination coverage among patients with malignancies and their family members
Y Urun, H Akbulut, A Demirkazik, F Cay Senler, G Utkan, H Onur, F Icli, Y Urun, H Akbulut, A Demirkazik, F Cay Senler, G Utkan, H Onur, F Icli
Abstract
Purpose: Although influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for high-risk populations are recommended by current guidelines, vaccination coverage rate (VCR) is still low in patients with malignancies and the family members living with them.
Methods: During the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza (SI), we surveyed 359 patients with solid or hematological malignancies Data were recorded in an especially designed questionnaire after face to face interview.
Results: The median patient age was 57 years (range 18-90) and 177 (49.3%) patients were female. Overall vaccination rate was 17% and 4.2% for influenza and pneumococcus, respectively. VCR among family members was 21.2%. The most common causes for not getting vaccinated were lack of knowledge for indication by the patients (33.5%), getting chemotherapy (22.1%), fear of side effects (12.5%), lack of efficacy (12.1%), and not advised by the attending physician (5.9%).
Conclusion: VCR was very low among patients with cancer and their family members. To eliminate misconceptions and improve vaccination coverage in this population, educational programs for patients and for physicians focusing on safety and efficacy of vaccine are needed.
Source: PubMed