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Compliance with immunization against H1N1 influenza virus among children with cancer

Dimitrios Doganis1, Maria Tsolia, Helen Dana

  • 1Pediatric Oncology Department, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. doganisd@gmail.com

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|January 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

High immunization rates were achieved for children with cancer against pandemic influenza A H1N1. Despite challenges, 87% of eligible pediatric oncology patients received the vaccine and none developed influenza.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Children with cancer are at increased risk of severe outcomes from influenza.
  • Pandemic influenza A H1N1 posed a significant threat during the 2009 season.
  • Vaccination is a critical preventive measure for immunocompromised populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of H1N1 influenza immunization in pediatric oncology patients.
  • To determine vaccine compliance rates in this vulnerable population.
  • To assess vaccine tolerance and impact on influenza incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of immunization records for pediatric oncology patients.
  • Analysis of vaccine compliance rates among eligible patients.
  • Monitoring of influenza incidence in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

Main Results:

  • Out of 140 eligible pediatric oncology patients, 122 (87%) were immunized against pandemic influenza A H1N1.
  • Vaccine compliance exceeded general population uptake despite negative publicity.
  • No vaccinated children developed influenza, indicating vaccine efficacy in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • High immunization rates for pandemic influenza A H1N1 are achievable in pediatric oncology settings.
  • Vaccination is well-tolerated and effective in preventing influenza among children with cancer.
  • Pediatric oncology departments can successfully implement vaccination programs for their patients.

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