Influenza vaccination coverage in patients treated with chemotherapy: current clinical practice

• Published in: Netherlands journal of medicine Vol. 71; no. 9; pp. 472 - 477
• Main Authors: Wumkes, M L, van der Velden, A M T, van der Velden, A W G, Stouthard, J M L, Nijziel, M R, Westerman, M, Beeker, A, Meerveld-Eggink, A, Rijkers, G T, Biesma, D H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01.11.2013
• Subjects: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms - immunology; Colorectal Neoplasms - drug therapy; Colorectal Neoplasms - immunology; Female; General Practitioners - psychology; General Practitioners - statistics & numerical data; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Influenza Vaccines - immunology; Influenza, Human - immunology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Practice Patterns, Physicians' - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Netherlands

Influenza virus vaccination is recommended for patients treated with chemotherapy. Little is known about vaccination coverage in these patients. 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. 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. 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.