Seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland.

INTRODUCTION

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic overlapping with the influenza season, the number of infections with the abovementioned viruses may result in overload in the healthcare system, difficulties in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, poorer access to appropriate therapy, and increased mortality.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the decision to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza in cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An anonymous survey prepared by the authors was made available to patients at the Chemotherapy Department at the Greater Poland Cancer Center. The survey covered 236 respondents, both female (67.4%, = 159) and male (32.6%, =77). A 0-10 point numerical scale was used to assess the fear of coronavirus infection and the influenza. Data were collected from June 8 to September 30, 2020. The survey included 25 questions. The patients were informed by physicians about the voluntary and anonymous nature of the survey, to which they gave their oral consent. IBM SPSS Statistics 26 was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

The vast majority of patients (69.5%, = 164) have never been vaccinated against influenza and 30.5% ( = 72) have been vaccinated at least once in the past. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost ¼ of the patients (24.6%, = 58) stated that they wanted to be vaccinated against influenza. Only 33.5% ( = 79) of the respondents believed that the influenza vaccine was effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Action is needed to increase the percentage of cancer patients who will be regularly vaccinated against the influenza. The COVID-19 pandemic may raise the interest of cancer patients in influenza vaccination.