Influenza and pneumococcal immunization of patients with neoplastic diseases

A review of influenza and pneumococcal immunizations of patients with neoplastic diseases is presented. The limitations of these respective immunizations is described. It is recommended that consideration be given to timing of immunization schedules with regard to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and splenectomy. Chemoprophylaxis may well be indicated in those cases known or expected to be resistant to immunization.