Aims
People with cancer are at higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 infection. We sought to understand the attitudes of patients with a variety of cancer types towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
Methods
Following ethics approval for an anonymous online survey of adult cancer patients from three health services (Monash Health, Bendigo Health and Latrobe Regional Health) were invited by SMS, flyers and during consultations from June 29th to August 2nd 2021, covering before, during and after one lockdown period in Victoria. Information regarding patient demographics, cancer history and vaccine uptake were collected. Vaccine hesitancy assessment tools were included. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results
There were 1073 respondents: 56% female; median age 62 years (range 23 - 91). Tumour types included breast 29%, gastrointestinal 19%, haematological 15%, genitourinary 15%, lung 8% and others 8%. Fifty-five percent of respondents had localised disease only and 54% were receiving active anti-cancer treatment.
Sixty five percent had received at least one vaccine dose; 26% had received two doses. This compares to 43% and 20% respectively in the general population at this time (1). Vaccine uptake was higher in patients of older age, males, English as first language and those not currently on anti-cancer treatment. For the question “Would you take a COVID-19 vaccine if offered?” 72% responded “definitely” and 12% responded “probably.” Only 6% responded “probably not” or “definitely not.” Responses significantly favoured a positive attitude to vaccination amongst those who had received a vaccine dose. Thematic analysis of attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine is underway.
Conclusions
In our large, contemporary survey of cancer patients, vaccine uptake was higher than the general population. Identification of factors contributing to enablers and barriers to vaccination and strategies to address these in this high risk cohort are essential.