COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: Patients with cancer are more vulnerable to COVID-19 morbidity and morbidity than the general population and have been prioritised in COVID-19 vaccination programmes. This study aims to investigate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among patients with cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane COVID-19 study registry were searched in addition to secondary literature using a predefined search method. Two authors independently performed the study identification, screening and eligibility assessment. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and Joanna Brides’ Institute quality appraisal tools. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies and reports were selected for the final review. The pooled prevalence of vaccine acceptance was 59% (95% confidence interval 52–67%, I(2): 99%). Concerns about vaccine-related side-effects, uncertainty about vaccine efficacy and safety, ongoing active anticancer therapies and scepticism about rapid vaccine development were the leading causes for vaccine hesitancy. Female gender and undergoing active anticancer treatments were significant factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Early cancer stages (stages I and II) and good compliance with prior influenza vaccinations were significant factors associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with cancer are hesitant about COVID-19 vaccination. Well-designed problem-based educational interventions will increase compliance with COVID-19 vaccination.