Vaccination adherence in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: a pilot study on the impact of vaccination cards and reminder telephone calls

Abstract

Current guidelines recommend a complex vaccination schedule for the HSCT recipients, which may lead to difficulties with adherence. Our study shows that missed and delayed vaccinations are common in both autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients. Methods to improve adherence are needed.

Vaccination guidelines after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and gap between guidelines and clinical practice

“…For instance, although >95% of practitioners reported that they were aware of the current guidelines, by 6 months post transplantation, immunizations had been administered fully to only one‐third of the patients. These findings are similar to those of previous studies, which have reported vaccination rates between 21% and 33% .…”

Clinical Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Cross-sectional, Prospective, Observational Study

“…Although this study was not designed to assess the vaccination rate in our population, only 28% of the recipients with proven CARV RVIs received the influenza vaccine over 5 flu seasons. This agrees with prior epidemiological studies and enquiries, where the vaccination rate has ranged from 20-60% after allo-HSCT [29][30][31]. However, some factors merit consideration when interpreting the reported vaccination rate.…”

A survey of infectious diseases and vaccination uptake in long‐term hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors in Australia

“…In this study, the largest ever of Australian long‐term allogeneic HSCT survivors, we found a high incidence of self‐reported VPDs (42%) together with low complete revaccination rates (31%) for recommended inactivated vaccines. While our revaccination rates are poor, they are consistent with international literature and with Australian single centre studies; complete revaccination rates of HSCT survivors range from 20% to 33% . Live attenuated vaccinations were analyzed separately in this study as the recommendation for their use is limited by levels of post‐transplant immunosuppression, and incomplete immune reconstitution in the post‐transplant period which is expected to take at least 24 months.…”

“…This was not available at the time of survey completion. Other strategies used to increase vaccination adherence and education include vaccination cards and reminder telephone calls, and dedicated post‐HSCT vaccination clinics …”