Vaccination for the novel coronavirus disease in hematological disorders

Abstract

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is now an ongoing pandemic. First detected in December 2019 at Wuhan, China, this disease has now spread to all parts of the world. COVID-19 may affect anyone, without regard for age, sex, or underlying disease condition. Patients with benign or malignant diseases when affected, usually have a more severe outcome than people without comorbidities. Increasing one’s immunity by vaccination against COVID-19 will help to improve the disease outcomes of COVID-19 in patients who already have some underlying disease. The live-attenuated or killed and recombinant viral protein vaccines currently available can elicit both humoral and cellular immunities. However, in immunocompromised patients (either due to the disease pathology or treatment-related immunosuppression), immune response may not be as effective as expected. Depending on the underlying disease pathogenesis, the patient may not be able to mount an adequate immune response post-vaccination. However, in view of the severe risks posed by COVID-19 disease, vaccination is of utmost importance. This review aims at understanding the importance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with hematological disorders, and also aims to understand the side effects which arise post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We have tried to ascertain the best way to vaccinate patients with hematological disorders.