Immunization coverage for children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean can be improved through strategic coordination of existing global agendas

Most cases of childhood cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. In parallel, children with cancer are more vulnerable to infections, including vaccine-preventable infections. We distributed an electronic, self-administered survey to healthcare providers working in Latin America and the Caribbean region who deliver care to children with cancer to assess the factors that influence their decision and ability to vaccinate children with cancer. Our study found that approximately half of respondents consistently requested the patient's vaccination record before starting cancer treatment and that less than 20% estimated that ≥75% of their pediatric patients were up to date on their immunizations. Only a small fraction reported having related government policies and reporting requirements for immunizing/re-immunizing children with cancer. Respondents recognize the need to immunize children with cancer; however, national policies and monitoring tools for this population are lacking. There are global initiatives to address gaps in immunization coverage and to promote the development of policy and infrastructure to support the increasing number of children with cancer. Although they have clear and distinct goals, there are opportunities to combine efforts. Integrating immunizations into national childhood cancer treatment policies and enhancing current vaccination surveillance platforms can address gaps and support an overlooked population.