Active recruitment for vaccination of patients with solid-organ cancer through the surgical pathway.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of an active recruitment strategy for vaccinating patients with solid-organ cancer through the scheduled surgery unit of a regional hospital.

METHODS

A descriptive study of patients identified between February 13, 2023, and December 20, 2024, using daily records of scheduled oncologic surgery. The Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health sent an informational letter, an educational brochure, and an appointment notice to the Vaccination Unit.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients were identified; 18 were excluded, and 125 were included in the analysis. One hundred twenty (96.0%) attended the first appointment, and 116 (96.7% of attendees) began the vaccination series. Vaccination coverage rates were 96.64% for pneumococcal, 94.96% for shingles, and 78.15% for influenza and COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Early outreach integrated into the surgical process was feasible and achieved high vaccination coverage in a particularly vulnerable population.