Letter to Editor, Re: The first report on Covid-19 vaccine refusal by cancer patients in Italy: Early data from a single-institute survey

Aim The risk of dying from COVID‐19 is higher for those who are older, immune‐compromised, or chronically ill. Vaccines are an effective strategy in reducing mortality and morbidity from COVID‐19. However, for COVID‐19 vaccination programs to reach full potential, vaccines must be taken up by those at greatest risk, such as cancer patients. Understanding the perspectives of all stakeholders involved in cancer patient COVID‐19 vaccine uptake will be critical to ensuring appropriate support, and information is provided to facilitate vaccination. The aim of this research was to explore the longitudinal views of cancer stakeholders regarding COVID‐19 vaccination. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with cancer patients ( n = 23), family members ( n = 10), cancer health professionals ( n = 19), and representatives of cancer nongovernment organizations ( n = 7) across Australia 6 and 12 months postrecruitment. Transcripts were thematically analyzed, using an inductive approach. Results All stakeholder groups expressed mostly positive attitudes toward COVID‐19 vaccination, with the following key themes identified: (1) high motivation—vaccination perceived as offering health protection and hope; (2) hesitancy—concern about vaccine hesitancy among the general population, with a minority hesitant themselves; (3) confusion and frustration—regarding the vaccine rollout and patient eligibility; (4) uncertainty—about vaccination in the context of cancer; (5) access to vaccination; and (6) desire for expert individualized advice—on vaccine interaction with cancer treatments. Conclusion These findings highlight the COVID‐19 vaccine concerns and information needs of cancer stakeholders. Policymakers need to provide clear tailored information regarding vaccine eligibility, accessibility, benefits, and risks to facilitate vaccine uptake.

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Needs of cancer patients during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lockdown: A population-based survey in Shanghai, China

Chen

Ding

et al. 2022

BST

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The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Omicron variant was first identified in November 2021 in Botswana and South Africa (1). Although immunological and clinical data did not provide definitive evidence, the omicron variant displayed early signs of high transmissibility, reduced severity, and immune escape, potentially increasing the difficulty of controlling the pandemic (2,3). In late February 2022, a wave of omicron BA.2 infection rapidly appeared in Shanghai, China. Shanghai is one of the most important international economic, financial, trade, and shipping centers in China, with a resident population of more than 25 million. According to the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, from February 26 to May 31, 2022, 58,000 cases were reported, and 588 people died with or from the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (4). To reduce the spread of the pandemic, Shanghai imposed a lockdown with movement restrictions, social distancing, and home confinement starting April 1, 2022.Cancer patients endured multiple challenges in terms of infection risk, prognostic outcomes, and tumor recurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic (5). Huang et al. (6) reported that the 30-day mortality was higher in COVID-19 patients with cancer and that patients with both cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have significantly increased Pro-BNP and D-Dimer levels. Dai et al. (7) provided evidence that COVID-19 patients with cancer had a higher risk for all severe outcomes. Patients with hematologic cancer, lung cancer, or with metastatic cancer (stage IV) had the highest frequency of severe events. In addition, delays in early tumor screening, detection, monitoring of recurrence, and treatment may potentially have a negative impact on the outcomes for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational/modeling study reported

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Letter to Editor, Re: The first report on Covid-19 vaccine refusal by cancer patients in Italy: Early data from a single-institute survey

Cited by 3 publications

References 9 publications

Vaccine hesitancy in cancer patients: A rapid review

Vaccine hesitancy in cancer patients: A rapid review

Experiences and perspectives of cancer stakeholders regarding COVID‐19 vaccination

Needs of cancer patients during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lockdown: A population-based survey in Shanghai, China

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