Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

Experiences and perspectives of cancer patients/survivors, carers, cancer care healthcare professionals, and non-government cancer services, regarding COVID-19 vaccination (#60)

Nicci Bartley 1 , Polly Havard 1 , Phyllis Butow 1 , Ilona Juraskova 1 , Laura Kirsten 2 , Haryana Dhillon 1 , Louise Sharpe 1 , Lisa Beatty 3 , Brian Kelly 4 , Philip Beale 5 , Maria Cigolini 6 , Raymond J Chan 7 , Megan Best 8 , Joanne Shaw 1
  1. Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Group, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Nepean Cancer Care Centre, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Nepean, NSW, Australia
  3. College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
  4. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Wallsend, NSW, Australia
  5. Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  6. Palliative Care Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  7. Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
  8. Institute of Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aim:

The risk of dying from COVID-19 is higher for those who are older, immune-compromised, or chronically ill. Vaccines are an effective strategy in reducing mortality and morbidity from COVID-19. However, for the COVID-19 vaccination program to reach its full potential, vaccines must then be taken up by those at greatest risk. Cancer patients are one such vulnerable group. Understanding the perspectives of cancer patients, carers, cancer care healthcare professional (HCP), and non-government cancer services (NGO) regarding COVID-19 vaccination will be critical to ensuring appropriate support and information is provided to facilitate vaccination of this vulnerable group.

The aim of this research is to explore cancer patient, carer and cancer care healthcare professional (HCP), and non-government cancer services (NGO) views on COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods:

Fifty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with cancer patients (n=23), carers (n=10), HCPs (n=19) and representatives of NGOs (n=7) across Australia. Transcripts were thematically analysed, using an inductive approach.

Results:

Cancer patients, carers, HCPs and NGOs expressed mostly positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. The following key themes were identified across all participant groups: 1. High motivation - COVID-19 vaccination perceived as offering health protection and hope (with a minority hesitant and some concerned about vaccine hesitancy among the general population); 2. Confusion and frustration - regarding vaccine rollout and communication about cancer patient eligibility; 3. Ongoing uncertainty - about access to vaccine and long term vaccine efficacy; 4. Desire for expert, individualised advice - on vaccine interaction with cancer treatments; and 5. Perceived lack of choice - regarding which vaccine was accessible.

Conclusion:

These findings point to the COVID-19 vaccine concerns and information needs of key cancer stakeholders. Policymakers need to provide clear information regarding vaccine eligibility and accessibility tailored for cancer patients, carers, HCPs and NGOs to facilitate vaccine uptake.