TY - JOUR T1 - Pneumococcal and influenza vaccine uptake in patients discharged from an acute medical hospital JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 42 IS - Suppl 57 SP - P2742 AU - Stephanie Camilleri AU - Martin Balzan AU - Kentaro Yamagata AU - Chrisotpher Zammit AU - Ramon Casha AU - Juanita Casingena Garcia Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2742.abstract N2 - Introduction: Various guidelines recommend Pneumococcal vaccine(PV) and influenza(IV) to chronically ill patients.Aims: To determine the proportion of patients where PV and IV was indicated, and measure the uptake of vaccine and assess attitudes in patients discharged from an acute medical hospital.Methods: Patients discharged from Mater Dei hospital in Malta during a one week period in January 2013 were interviewed by phone 2 weeks laterResults: Of 271 discharged medical patients, 164 (50% Female, Mean age 66.5±15.5) were contacted. The PV was indicated in 90.8% (149 patients). Age >65 (61%), Diabetes Mellitus (38.9%) renal failure (27.8%, eGFR <60), Heart failure (21.6%) and lung disease (17.3%) were commonest inclusion criteria. 6 patients were advised and 4 received the PV. IV was indicated in 97.6% (160), but recommended by physician in 112(70%) this year. 74 (46.3%) vaccinated this year, 117 (63.8%) vaccinated at least once in the past. Main reasons for 2012/3 vaccination(n=74) 71.6% to protect themselves, 19.4% advised by doctor, 4.5% to protect household. Reasons for non vaccination (n=86), 30 (34.9%) fear of side effects, 15.1% felt they don’t need it, 15.1% forgot to take, 8.1% not aware of need.Conclusion: Physician recommendation and consequent PV uptake was low. Whilst awareness of IV by patients was high, uptake was mainly limited by fear of side effects. ER -