Abstract 1595P
Background
Hospitalised cancer patients have a three times higher risk of death (14%) from COVID-19 than the general public. Vaccination provides an unprecedented opportunity to decrease morbidity & mortality, however, there is a limited data regarding cancer patients’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.
Methods
An anonymised questionnaire was completed by volunteering cancer patients attending the ambulatory care unit of a large tertiary cancer centre (Feb to April 2021), prior to vaccination rollout in this cohort. It assessed patients’ acceptance of, and attitudes toward, COVID-19 vaccination. Statistical significance was assessed with Chi-square test (χ2).
Results
There was an 80% response rate (143/179). This included 79 females (55%) with a median age range of 51–60 yrs. (n = 35/24%). Most (78%) had a good performance status (PS = 0-1) & lung was the most frequent (28%) cancer type. Eight (6%) had previous COVID-19 infection. Among respondents, 128 (90%) intended on getting vaccinated, 12 (8%) were unsure & three (2%) would refuse. Those intent on vaccination were less concerned with side effects, viewed the pandemic as serious & perceived cancer as a cause for more severe infection compared to the rest (Table). All 101 (71%) patients who received the influenza vaccine were intent on COVID vaccination. Almost 20% (n=28) reported that they were more likely to receive the flu vaccine due to the pandemic. Twelve (8%) identified attending their GP as a barrier, with 97% (n=135) willing to attend hospital for vaccination. While this service is free, 69% (n=99) were willing to pay, with nearly 40% (n=57) up to €50. Table: 1595P
Comparison of determinants for COVID-19 vaccination
| Determinants for vaccination | Yes n (%) | No / Unsure n (%) | p-value (χ2) |
| Concern re side effects | 35 (27) | 11 (73) | 0.02 |
| Pandemic is not serious | 17 (5) | 8 (53) | <0.01 |
| Cancer results in serious infection | 88 (69) | 3 (20) | 0.04 |
| Vaccine could deteriorate my cancer | 9 (7) | 3 (20) | 0.13 |
| Vaccine ineffective due to cancer | 13 (10) | 3 (20) | 0.32 |
Conclusions
Our study demonstrates a very high acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination among Irish cancer patients such that many would be willing to pay & attend hospital to receive it. The barriers to uptake provide an opportunity to improve education. An unexpected consequence, may be a beneficial increased uptake of the influenza vaccine.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
S. Cuffe.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.