Patterns and association of vaccination among adults with a history of cancer in the USA: a population-based study

Aim: To assess the association of vaccination status among adults with history of cancer in a population-based cohort in the USA. Materials & methods: National Health Interview Survey datasets (2008-2018) have been accessed and information about the patterns and associations of the following vaccinations were collected (influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis A vaccination and shingles vaccination). Association of different sociodemographic variables with each of the above types of vaccination was studied through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Private health insurance (vs no private insurance) was associated with higher percentages of recommended vaccination (influenza vaccination: 65 vs 59.7%; pneumococcal vaccination: 74.9 vs 68.8%; hepatitis B vaccination: 22.9 vs 19.3%; hepatitis A vaccination: 10.1 vs 8.6%; shingles vaccination: 33.8 vs 26.7%; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Within multivariable logistic regression analyses, African American race, lower education and lower income were associated with less probability of adherence to recommended vaccination (for influenza vaccination; odds ratio (OR) for black race vs white race: 0.785; 95% CI: 0.717-0.859; OR for <= high school vs >high school education: 0.763; 95% CI: 0.723-0.805; OR for income <= US$45,000 vs >US$45,000: 0.701; 95% CI: 0.643-0.764). Conclusion: There is evidence of socio-economic disparities in adherence to recommended vaccination among this cohort of cancer survivors in the USA. More efforts need to be done to ensure that recommended vaccination is being delivered to all cancer survivors in need (including enhancing coverage and awareness to under-represented groups of the society).