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COVID-19

Vaccines for Preventing Infections in Adults with Haematological Malignancies: A Cochrane Review

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new Cochrane review has shed light on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines for preventing infections in adults with haematological malignancies. The review, conducted by researchers at the University of Cologne, found that herpes zoster vaccines may reduce the risk of infection for up to 21 months, but the evidence is limited and uncertain. The review also found that COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of short-term adverse events, but the evidence is very uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cochrane review included six studies with a total of 25,886 participants, evaluating the effectiveness and safety of vaccines for preventing infections in adults with haematological malignancies.
  • Herpes zoster vaccines may reduce the risk of infection for up to 21 months, but the evidence is limited and uncertain.
  • COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of short-term adverse events, but the evidence is very uncertain.
  • Influenza vaccines were not found to be effective in preventing infection in adults with haematological malignancies.
  • The review found a considerable increase in short-term adverse events after vaccination with herpes zoster vaccines, but no increase in serious adverse events was observed at up to 12 months.
  • The review emphasizes the need for high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled non-randomized studies (NRSIs) to provide a reliable evidence base for clinical and public health decisions.

Statistics:

  • 25,886 participants were included in the six studies evaluated in the Cochrane review.
  • Herpes zoster vaccines may reduce infection risk for up to 21 months, but the 95% CI includes the possibility of no effect (4% versus 6%; RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.07 to 2.23).
  • COVID-19 vaccines probably increase the number of participants with any-grade adverse events (35% versus 17.5%; RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.30).
  • Influenza vaccines were not found to be effective in preventing infection in adults with haematological malignancies (4% versus 8%; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.08).

Sources:

  • Vaccines for Preventing Infections In Adults With Haematological Malignancies (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2025(5).
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Cologne Detail New Studies and Findings in the Area of COVID-19 [Vaccines for Preventing Infections In Adults With Haematological Malignancies (Review)]. World Disease Weekly. July 29, 2025; p 163.

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