Work

Vaccination Coverage in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience profound immunosuppression, increasing their risk of infections. Revaccination is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate post-transplant vaccination coverage among patients treated at a specialized reference center. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study including patients who underwent HSCT between 1 January 2018 and 31 May 2021. Vaccination coverage was assessed for each recommended vaccine, and full compliance was defined according to the Spanish Ministry of Health guidelines. A competing risk survival analysis was performed to account for loss to follow-up due to death. Data analysis was carried out using STATA v15. Results: Among 138 included patients, 22.46% (31/138) died, and 11.59% (16/138) relapsed. Of the 107 patients who remained in follow-up at 19 months, 41.12% (44/107) (95% CI: 32.26–50.59) had completed the full vaccination schedule, while only 1.87% (2/107) (95% CI: 0.51–6.56) achieved temporal compliance. No significant association was observed between sex and vaccination status or competing risks (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Post-HSCT vaccination coverage remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for improved vaccination programs, multidisciplinary patient support, and enhanced public and professional awareness to ensure timely immunization in this high-risk population.

Source: Vaccines

DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13030257

Authors: Angeles Bouzas-Rodríguez, Germán Molina-Romera, Juan Manuel Vázquez-Lago, Olalla Vázquez-Cancela, Cristina Fernández-Pérez

Institution: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258