A Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Vaccination Against Herpes Zoster Virus Among Medical Oncologists for Patients with Solid Tumors.

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ) virus reactivation is a significant medical problem among immunocompromised patients, especially considering its potential complications. Although the recombinant HZ vaccine has demonstrated > 90% efficacy against HZ in adults, its use is not as frequent as needed in daily oncology practice due to several barriers, including oncologists' knowledge, patients' willingness, and organizational issues. A web-based survey was sent to 139 oncologists treating solid tumors concerning their knowledge and attitudes toward the adjuvanted gE-based recombinant HZ vaccination. The survey included questions regarding the characteristics of medical oncologists participating, such as the type of hospital, main field of expertise, percent of work with patients, awareness of the HZ risk in cancer patients, knowledge of scientific data and scientific societies guidelines on HZ vaccination, familiarity with vaccinations, frequency of HZ detection in clinical practice, barriers, and challenges toward vaccine administration. Fifty-four physicians (46%; 95% CI 0.2918 to 0.5069) responded to all the questions. The main reason for non-response was the lack of time due to the overwhelming burden of assistance. When the survey was launched, 31 participants reported good knowledge of scientific and clinical data of HZ vaccines, 10% none, and 36 were aware of guidelines. Reported barriers included knowledge of the problem, patients' willingness, and organizational issues. Surveying medical oncologists on the adjuvanted gE-based recombinant HZ vaccination provides essential insights into their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccination for cancer patients. These data suggest that continuing medical education is necessary to implement HZ vaccination prescription among oncologists.