Vaccination of patients with hematological malignancies: barriers and strategies to improve uptake.

Vaccination is one of the most successful developments in the history of medicine, having saved countless human lives. Although vaccination is of the utmost importance for patients with hematological neoplasms, it can also be challenging due to the often reduced or absent serological responses. Despite vaccination, breakthrough infections may occur among patients with hematological malignancies, particularly in those with impaired vaccine-induced immune responses. Although humoral responses are frequently impaired, vaccine-induced cellular immunity is preserved in a substantial proportion of patients with hematological malignancies and may contribute to protection against severe infections. Maximizing the immune response to vaccination requires optimal timing of vaccination relative to the administration of antineoplastic therapy. Patients may also fear vaccine side effects and worry that vaccination might influence their cancer therapy. Finally, some medical professionals, family members, and caregivers are insufficiently aware of the importance of vaccination for patients with hematological diseases, as well as their own vaccination. Despite significant developments in the field of vaccination of immunocompromised patients, addressing these challenges will require further high-quality clinical and translational research; continuous education of patients and healthcare providers; and enhanced cooperation and coordination among primary care practitioners, and epidemiological and hematological departments.