Landscape of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the colorectal cancer community: Responding to community needs.

Abstract

e15577 Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused numerous disruptions across the cancer prevention and treatment landscape. A model released by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts that delays in care will cause 10,000 excess breast and colorectal cancer deaths over the next 10 years due to the pandemic. Vaccines will play an integral role in colorectal cancer patients and their support systems to return to care and resume ‘normal activities’; but based on anecdotal reports from the oncology and prevention community, there are questions about patients’ willingness to receive vaccines when available. The goal of this analysis was to better understand general uptake of vaccines at various time points, intention to vaccinate when available and what questions and concerns patients have about getting a vaccine. Methods: In January, 2021 Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) distributed an online survey to the colorectal cancer community asking about vaccine related questions. The survey was a convenience sample approach distributed through social media channels and targeted emails from mid-January to early February 2021. Virtual focus groups and repeat surveys will be administered in spring of 2021 to further gather detail about the uptake of the vaccine, including barriers and facilitators to care. Results: In total, 201 individuals responded to the survey (survivor = 77%, family member = 11%, caregiver/friend = 8% other = 3%). The colorectal cancer patient sample was composed mostly of later stage patients (stage III and IV = 77%). Approximately 30% of patients reported vaccine uptake, 81% noted they would likely get vaccinated when a vaccine became available to them. Of all the patients, 16% noted they would need more information about the vaccine before deciding if they would be vaccinated. The majority indicated needing tips to discuss receiving the vaccine with their doctor, including impact on treatment, and the top questions patients have are: 1) Is the vaccine safe? 2) Will the vaccine interrupt my cancer treatment care? Conclusions: People with cancer face unique challenges since the pandemic, including treatment disruptions. Even with a vaccine, not all patients have access or are convinced they will receive the vaccine when it becomes available to them. Understanding patient needs and how to respond to ensure patients receive the most credible information to make informed decisions is critical.