Immunization recommendations in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In Mexico, cancer is the leading cause of death from disease among children between the ages of 5 and 14, with more than 2000 deaths annually. Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy, with a prevalence of 48% and an estimated five-year overall survival rate of 45% to 73%. Correct immunization of these children is essential, although it is often not possible to carry it out during times of greatest risk. There are several types of vaccines, and their use in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia depends on their mechanism for generating immunity. Non-live vaccines based on toxoids, protein subunits, bacterial antigens, or immunogenic proteins obtained with recombinant technology are not contraindicated during chemotherapy. At the Pediatric Hematology Service of the La Raza National Medical Center of the Mexican Social Security Institute, we conducted a review of the vaccines available in the country, their indications, and the scientific evidence on safety and efficacy, as well as the best time to administer them during and after oncological treatment.