An Influenza Vaccination Program in Medical Oncology

The Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) recognizes influenza immunizations as an essential component of quality outcomes in oncology care. In 2022, the SCI was selected to participate in the Specialty Societies Advancing Adult Immunization (SSAAI) project supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a goal of incorporating the CDC Standards for Adult Immunization Practice into medical oncology clinical care. The CDC Standards for Adult Immunization Practice are to assess, recommend, administer, refer, and document immunizations. This quality initiative focused on vaccine assessment, administration, and evaluation of medical oncology patients across 7 network clinics on 4 campuses.

The assessment was defined as completing the Immunization Activity Record within the Epic Medical Record system, which includes reconciliation with the Washington state immunization registry. Both high-dose and standard-dose influenza vaccines were offered throughout the influenza season. Staff were taught to include vaccine assessment as part of the rooming process. Patients were encouraged to obtain vaccination as part of their oncology visit. My Chart messages, posters, and other communication tools were utilized to communicate with patients. Medical oncologists were encouraged to recommend vaccination to their patients. The project required collaboration with patient education, pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff.

The influenza immunization rate for cancer patients at the completion of the 2024 calendar year was 65%. There was no meaningful difference in immunization rates based on race or gender. However, only 57% of the Latino cancer population were vaccinated compared to 67% of the Caucasian cancer population. Only 53% of oncology patients who spoke Spanish as their primary language were vaccinated. The Washington state's overall influenza vaccination rate is 28%. The program demonstrated that it was effective in getting a substantial increase in oncology patients vaccinated. However, more effort needs to be done to improve immunizations in the Latino and Spanish-speaking populations.