Influenza Immunization for Adult and Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

"In a given year, between 10% and 20% of the Canadian population becomes infected with influenza, and an estimated 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths can be attributed to an epidemic of influenza; these include deaths related to pneumonia due to influenza virus or a secondary pathogen like Streptococcus pneumonia. Rates of influenza infection are highest in children between the ages of five and nine years, but rates of serious illness and death are highest in children under the age of two years, older persons (>65 years), and persons with underlying medical conditions. Adult and pediatric patients with cancer are considered immunosuppressed, either as a result of their underlying disease or secondary to their treatment, and are therefore included in this high risk group. Influenza infection not only causes primary illness but also can lead to severe secondary medical complications, including viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, and worsening of underlying medical conditions". - Influenza Immunization for Adult and Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment