Vaccination for seasonal flu, pneumococcal infection, and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with solid tumors: recommendations of the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (AIOM)

• Published in: ESMO open 2023-04
• Main Authors: Pedrazzoli, Paolo, Lasagna, Angioletta, Cassaniti, Irene, Piralla, Antonio, Squeri, Andrea, Bruno, Raffaele, Sacchi, Paolo, Baldanti, Fausto, Di Maio, Massimo, Beretta, Giordano Domenico, Cinieri, Saverio, Silvestris, Nicola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Review
• ISSN: 2059-7029
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101215

Patients with cancer have a well-known and higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). VPDs may cause severe complications in this setting due to the immune system impairment, malnutrition and oncological treatments. Despite this evidence, vaccination rates are inadequate. The Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) has been involved in vaccination awareness since 2014. Based on a careful review of the available data about the immunogenicity, effectiveness and safety of flu, pneumococcal and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we report the recommendations of the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica about these vaccinations in adult patients with solid tumors. AIOM recommends comprehensive education on the issue of VPDs. We believe that a multidisciplinary care model may improve the vaccination coverage in immunocompromised patients. Continued surveillance, implementation of preventive practices and future well-designed immunological prospective studies are essential for a better management of our patients with cancer.