Real-world vaccination status of children with hematologic tumors before and after chemotherapy

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2023 Jan-Dec;22(1):440-446. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2211668.

Abstract

Background: There is a high incidence and mortality rate in children with hematologic tumors (CHT), who are more prone to various infectious diseases. This study aims to clarify the real-world National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccination status of CHT before and after chemotherapy.

Methods: Medical records, NIP vaccination data, and the Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) of CHT who were admitted to the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from 1 January 2011 to 1 December 2021 were completely collected.

Results: A total of 2,874 CHT were included, and 1975 (68.7%) had vaccination records. Among the enrolled patients, the vaccination rate of all NIP vaccines was lower than 90% before diagnosis. Only 24.29% of CHT (410/1688) resumed vaccination after chemotherapy, and 69.02% (283/410) resumed vaccination more than 12 months after chemotherapy. No uncommon or serious side effects were reported.

Conclusion: The vaccination rate of CHT after chemotherapy was lower than that before the disease was diagnosed. It is necessary to provide more evidence-based support and formulate specific regimens to perfect the vaccination procedure after chemotherapy so as to improve the quality of life of CHT.

Keywords: Children; hematologic tumors; immunization status; safety; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Immunization Programs
  • Quality of Life*
  • Vaccination / adverse effects