Abstract B030: Assessing COVID-19 vaccination status and symptoms in persons with a history of cancer
Authors: Siddiqui Iqra , Lopez Ana Maria , Nikita FNU 
Published: September 2024

Background: Persons with a history of cancer are at a higher risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes due to their immunosuppressed status. Vaccination to COVID-19 has proven effective in decreasing complications from COVID-19 infection. This study explored the vaccination status of persons receiving cancer care (received 1st dose/2nd dose/booster) and their symptoms. Methods: Persons with a cancer diagnosis receiving care at a cancer center clinical site were randomly invited to complete a voluntary survey via email, the EMR, or during an in-person appointment. Paper surveys were completed in the clinic, placed in a sealed collection bin, and collected by research staff weekly. Responses were anonymous. Participants were asked if they had received their 1st/2nd COVID-19 vaccine, their symptoms, and if they had/intended to receive the booster. The study was conducted between September 2021 to September 2022. An EMR review of vaccination uptake was conducted to assess representativeness of our sample. Results: 6,302 persons were invited to complete the survey; 1,733 (28%) responded. 1694 (98%) had received at least one vaccine dose. 67.46% of the participants were white, non-Latinx; 25.39% were Black; 3.17% were Asian. 13.25% were 18-50 years; 30.61% were 50-64;36.81% were 65-74; 19.33% were 75+. 33.13% had a breast cancer diagnosis; 5.47% had lung cancer, 5.41% had prostate cancer, 4.29% had colorectal carcinoma, and 47.42% had other cancers. 1016 (58.63%) received their 1st COVID-19 vaccine, 1437 (82.92%) the 1st/2nd dose, and 1052 (60.70%) had received the booster (3rd dose). Frequently reported symptoms were muscle soreness, pain, fatigue, fever and headache. Those over 65 years were significantly more likely to report fatigue (p&lt;0.001), fever (p&lt;0.0001), headache (p&lt;0.0001), nausea (p=0.0005). Black persons were less likely to report fever (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34 – 0.86, p=0.0097) and more likely to report pain (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02 – 2.46, p=0.0427). For persons with breast cancer--29.46% reported muscle soreness, 12.95% reported fatigue, 10.13% reported headache, 9.19% reported fever, 7.13% reported pain. We were unable to stratify by other demographics or cancer type due insufficient sample size. EMR review of vaccination uptake revealed 24.17% had not initiated vaccination. Conclusion: Survey respondents were more likely to have initiated the COVID-19 vaccination process. Older adults were more likely to report fatigue, fever, headache and nausea. Black persons were less likely to report fever and more likely to report pain. Anticipating differences in COVID-19 vaccination symptoms allow for the development of tailored education and resources for self-management and care.

Citation Format: Iqra Siddiqui, Ana Maria Lopez, FNU Nikita. Assessing COVID-19 vaccination status and symptoms in persons with a history of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B030.