Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this poster presentation is to educate advanced practice professionals regarding vaccinations post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to focus on the standardization and implementation of vaccinations post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the process by which stem cells that are destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and radiation are replaced by healthy stem cells that have been harvested from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. The two major types of transplants are: autologous; in which patients receive their own stem cells and allogeneic; in which the patient receives stem cells from that of another person who may or may not be related. Patients that undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation become severely immune-compromised post transplantation and are at risk of developing bacterial and viral infections. HSCT recipients lose protective immunity to vaccine preventable diseases and this becomes a significant cause of re-hospitalization, morbidity and mortality. Inactivated vaccines are safe for the HSCT population. These include diphtheria-pertussis vaccine, haemophilus influenza vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccine, given at recommended scheduled times. Discussion and Implications for Advanced Practitioners: The literature clearly dictates the importance of re-immunization in the post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. The global aim is to eliminate preventable infections, decrease re-hospitalizations, decrease morbidity and mortality and ultimately avoid a public health crisis. Specifically a standardization of education and documentation of vaccinations is beneficial in the theme of quality care and safety in this patient population. It is imperative that the advance practice professional working with this population have a solid knowledge base in understanding the needs of these patients. The importance of patient education regarding immunization must be clear and concise and reinforced during scheduled follow up visits. Implementation of a post stem cell transplant vaccination program is necessary for this patient population.
