Survivors of childhood cancer: An Australian audit of vaccination status after treatment

Abstract

Background. Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are at risk of vaccine preventable diseases and are recommended to receive booster vaccinations post-chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to describe the compliance of post-chemotherapy revaccination of childhood cancer survivors relative to current Australian guidelines. Procedures. A multi-faceted retrospective review of childhood cancer survivors at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia was undertaken. Immunisation status was reviewed through four sources: (1) hospital records; (2) telephone survey of consenting participants; (3) Australian Childhood Immunization Register (ACIR); and (4) family practitioners immunis..