Audit

Abstract

SUMMARY This audit was designed to assess whether existing UK vaccination programmes mean that patients receiving chemotherapy are being vaccinated against influenza. One hundred and ten adult patients receiving chemotherapy at a south London tertiary referral centre were interviewed when they attended for their chemotherapy. Thirty-six of the 110 (33%) patients had received their influenza vaccination at the time of the study. Vaccination rates were significantly higher in those patients older than 65 years (53% vs 17%, p<0.001), and in those with co-morbidities (49% vs 25%, p<0.05). The vaccination rate in this at-risk population is lower than the overall national uptake in those aged 65 and over. Those patients most likely not to receive their influenza vaccination are those who have no indication for vaccination other than the fact they are receiving chemotherapy. Increased awareness of the benefits of influenza vaccine and its safety is needed among general practitioners, patients and oncologists. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(6): 542-543) P atients who are receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignant disease are at increased risk of contracting influenza, which may be complicated by prolonged morbidity and increased risk of death. 1-5 North American and British guidelines therefore recommend annual vaccination against influenza for adults and children who are immuno suppressed because of disease or treatment. 6·' Available data show that influenza vaccines are well tolerated in patients receiving chemotherapy. However, the rates of sero conversion and the degree of clinical protection may be inferior to those seen in immunocompetent patients. 8 Other indications for influenza vaccination in the UK include chronic respiratory, cardiac or renal disease, diabetes mellitus, age 65 years and over, or patients living in long stay nursing or residential homes. In some areas vaccination has been recommended for all patients aged 50