1597P Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with solid tumors: Experience from Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS)

Background: Currently over 160 million people worldwide had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cancer patients are more sensitive to infections. Patients with active cancer treatment should be considered for priority access to COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We evaluated between February and May 2021. 114 patients with solid tumours who were actively been treated at the IORS and have received vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Demographic data, diagnosis, current therapy and co-morbidities were collected from patients’ records. Data about vaccination: first and second dose, type of the vaccine and side effects were collected by questionnaire approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: 114 patients received the vaccine, 89 (78%) female, 25 (22%) male. Patients’ mean age was 61.3 ± 13.5 years, youngest was 37.8, the oldest was 83.9 years old. 105 of them received both doses of the vaccine. 36 pts (31.6%) had one and 30 (26.3%) had 2 or more co-morbidities requiring active therapy. 58 patients (50.9%) had early disease, 56 (49.1%) had metastatic disease. 42 patients (36.8%) was receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. Out of 114 vaccinated patients, 7 of them (6.1%) had previously COVID-19 infection. One patient had COVID-19 infection 5 days after receiving second dose of vaccine. 81 patients (71.1%) received vaccine made by Sinopharm company, followed by Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine (14 patients, 12.3%), Sputnik V (10 patients, 8.8%) and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine (9 patients, 7.9%). 85 of them (74.6%) didn’t have any side effects after receiving the vaccine. 13 patients (11.4%) had 2 or more symptoms. The most common side effect was pain at the injection site of the vaccine and it was present in 12 patients (10.5%). 10 patients (8.8%) reported chills and shivering. Fever was present in 9 patients (7.9%). Only two patients had allergic-like reactions that was present with skin rush. None of the patients had severe allergic reactions. Conclusions: In our study 114 patients with solid tumours and active oncology treatment had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 virus without severe side effects. Our study support current guidelines which promote vaccination in oncology patients as priority. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.