COVID-19 Vaccines: Preparing for Vaccination in the Context of Clinical Oncology Care.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the environment of an infectious pandemic, vaccines are a primary public health strategy to prevent the spread of disease. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is heightened interest in safe and effective vaccines and their use in the context of clinical oncology practice. OBJECTIVES: This article provides foundational information about vaccines in general and vaccines developed to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the United States, as well as clinical nurse strategies to apply vaccines in clinical oncology practice. METHODS: The article is based on a review of public health literature and reputable websites about vaccines and their development in clinical care. FINDINGS: This foundational information about vaccines reviews their history and development, as well as the development of COVID-19 vaccines specifically, and discusses COVID-19 vaccines as part of clinical oncology care. Supporting best practices in clinical oncology care, nurses can provide factual, evidence-based information about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and safe administration.