Perspectives of patients with cancer on influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in an oncology setting: Is there a role for pharmacists?

PurposePatients with cancer face an elevated risk of influenza and pneumococcal infections with increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Vaccination rates for this patient cohort however remain below international target levels, despite vaccination being the most effective strategy for preventing these infections. This study therefore aimed to explore patients with cancer perspectives on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the oncology setting, and whether they saw a potential role for pharmacists in providing vaccination services in an outpatient oncology clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in the outpatient oncology department at a large regional hospital in Cairns, Australia. Participants were currently undergoing cancer treatment or had a history of cancer treatment. The 32-question self-completed survey included patient demographics and assessed vaccination status, beliefs on vaccination, and confidence in pharmacist services. Questions were developed and aligned to the constructs of the Health Belief Model.Results107 patients with cancer completed the survey. 75.7% of these patients had solid tumours and 24.3% a haematological malignancy. Self-reported vaccination rates were 55.1% for influenza (past 12 months) and 22.4% for pneumococcal (past 5 years). Despite this, 83.2% of patients were willing to be vaccinated, and 86.0% regardless of age or gender were amenable to receive at least one vaccine from a pharmacist. Patients expressed strong trust in all healthcare professionals as their preferred source of vaccine information during cancer treatment. A key barrier identified was a lack in the provision of information, with only 51.4% of patients feeling adequately informed to make decisions about vaccinations.ConclusionThis study revealed a discrepancy between low influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates and high patient willingness to be vaccinated. Patients demonstrated strong confidence and readiness to receive vaccinations from pharmacists within oncology units, suggesting that a convenient pharmacist-led vaccination service could improve vaccine uptake.