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Influenza vaccination coverage in patients treated with chemotherapy: current clinical practice
M L Wumkes1, A M T van der Velden, A W G van der Velden
1Department of Internal Medicine, Tergooi Hospitals Hilversum, the Netherlands.
Background:
Influenza virus vaccination is recommended for patients treated with chemotherapy. Little is known about vaccination coverage in these patients.
Methods:
Vaccination coverage in the Netherlands was analysed by questionnaires completed by general practitioners, within a catchment area of 1.3 million people, in the period 2010-2011.
Results:
Of 433 eligible adult patients treated with chemotherapy for breast or colorectal cancer, 144 patients gave permission for us to approach their general practitioner with a questionnaire. General practitioners were asked about vaccination coverage, awareness of recommendations and their opinion about the responsibility for vaccination. We received 114 (79%) completed questionnaires. Sixty-seven out of 114 patients (59%) were vaccinated against influenza. Forty-four (66%) of these patients also had an indication for vaccination based on age (age ≥60 years). According to 48% of the general practitioners, the responsibility for vaccination belongs to the competence of the treating medical oncologist.
Conclusion:
Influenza vaccination coverage is limited to 59% of patients treated with chemotherapy. Guidelines for responsibility (general practitioner or medical oncologist) may increase the vaccination rate of cancer patients.
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