[Immunization for children treated for solid tumors: what are the guidelines?]

Arch Pediatr. 2001 Jul;8(7):734-43. doi: 10.1016/s0929-693x(00)00308-0.
[Article in French]

Abstract

There is no agreement on immunization of children treated with chemotherapy (CT) for solid tumors. Based on a review of the literature, we have attempted to establish guidelines on this subject. Except for hepatitis B vaccine, there is no argument to support the use of vaccine during CT. After a standard CT, a 3-month washout period appears to be necessary before starting an immunization program for a child not previously vaccinated, or to proceed with the recommended booster injections for diphteria anatoxin, tetanus vaccine, poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine, pertussis vaccine, and haemophilus influenza type b vaccine if the child is less than 5 years old. For mumps, measles, and rubella live vaccines, a longer post-CT washout of 6 months is suggested for the initial immunization, or for a revaccination of a child proved to be negative for all three serologies. Following high-dose CT a minimal 12-months term and a normalization of the blood lymphocytes count is necessary before planning booster injections once having checked for antidiphteria, tetanic, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and +/- haemophilus antibody titles. We don't find any reason to recommend a systematic varicella immunization in pediatric oncology. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended in case of asplenia. Any other vaccination (BCG, influenza, yellow fever) must be evaluated individually.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents