Vaccination coverage among paediatric onco-haematological patients: an Italian cross-sectional study

Abstract

Children with onco-hematological diseases are at increased risk of infection. However, this risk can in part be controlled or reduced using currently available vaccines. Despite available evidence, in patients diagnosed with a hematological or oncological disease the vaccination schedule is often inappropriately discontinued. In this study we evaluated whether the diagnosis of an oncological or hematological disease is a determinant of noncompliance with recommended vaccinations. The study was carried out between March and April 2019. The population was composed of a convenience sample of 228 children cared for in the Pediatric Oncology Department and Pediatric Hematology Department of the Policlinico Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital (Bari, Italy) from 2005 to 2015. Information on the immunization status of the patients was obtained from the Apulia regional immunization database (GIAVA). A post-diagnosis adherence score was calculated. The vaccination coverage was 87.7% for the DTaP-IPV-Hep B-Hib vaccine (3 doses), 68.7% for the pneumococcal vaccine (3 doses), 75.8% for the MMR vaccine (2 doses) and 75.1% for the varicella vaccine (2 doses). The average age at vaccination was older than that recommended by the National Vaccination Plan. A diagnosis of oncological disease and an older age at enrollment were risk factors for missing vaccinations. These results showed that the overall vaccination status of pediatric onco-hematological patients is suboptimal. Improving provider communication and establishing the hospital as the primary environment for vaccine administration may lead to better vaccination compliance in this group.

Vaccination in children with inherited bleeding disorders: Does the use of plasma an d factor affect the response to the vaccine: An institutional registry

“…Improving provider communication and establishing the hospital as the primary setting are better for vaccine compliance in this group. 19 In our study, a good communication was established by following the haematological patient group correctly.…”

Parents’ Uptake and Willingness towards Recommended Vaccinations for Their Children with Underlying Chronic Medical Conditions in Italy

“…It is well known that the intentions of parents toward vaccinations and their related reasons are extremely relevant for achieving higher coverage rates. Previous investigations have focused their attention on the attitudes and behaviors of parents in relation to different vaccinations for their children with chronic medical conditions [ 7 , 8 , 10 , 11 ], but to the best of our knowledge only few surveys have examined this topic in Italy [ 12 , 13 ]. Undoubtedly, this information is extremely important for the development of vaccination campaigns for fostering acceptance.…”