Influenza vaccination of patients with malignancies - Background, recommendations, and alternatives

Between April and December, influenza epidemics occur every year. Patients suffering from haematological malignancies, solid tumours as well as metabo lic diseases or cardiopulmonary disorders benefit most from influenza vacci nation. Immunisation of patients with neoplastic diseases should be performed 1-2 w eeks before chemotherapy or at least 4 weeks after chemotherapy. If inocula tion is indicated during chemotherapy, a booster vaccination is recommended after 4 weeks. Amantadin, an antiviral compound, provides a chemoprophylax is in case of Influenza A outbreak and should be given in addition to the i noculation during an epidemic.