Children who are being treated for cancer are significantly immunocompromised and at increased risk for infection. Immunization is an important part of care.
Duration of immunocompromised state in Oncology kids is:
- 3 months post treatment for majority
- 1 year post treatment for Autologous BMT SCT kids
- 2 years post treatment for Allogeneic BMT SCT kids
Live Vaccines must be avoided during treatment and for the above time frame
MMR - Measles, Mumps, Rubella is a live vaccine and is contraindicated.
OPV = Oral polio virus - is a live vaccine and is also contraindicated.
Varicella vaccine uses the live attenuated Oka strain
Siblings should get varicella vaccine if VZV negative
Killed vaccines can be given without risk but may not be effective
IPV = Inactivated Polio Virus - can be used safely
Killed vaccines are best given when:
- ANC > 1
- ALC > 1
At end of treatment all patients need titers checked for (+/- re-immunized for) :
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- HSV
- VZV
- Hepatitis B
Below is a link to an excellent resource for vaccine information in general and in oncology patients:
BC Center for Disease Control: Immunization Manual
Also - see Sung L. et al, Practical Vaccination Guidelines for Children with Cancer.
Pediatr Child Health 2001:6;379-383
