RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Influenza vaccination in chronic asthma patients. Are more severely ill patients more likely to seek vaccination?
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P1889
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Martin Balzan
A1 Rachelle Assciak
A1 Justine Camilleri
A1 Liam Mercieca
A1 Christopher Sammit
A1 Jesmar Buttigieg
A1 Gabriella Balzan
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1889.abstract
AB Introduction: Guidelines for asthma advise annual influenza vaccination.Aims: To re-assess vaccination rates and attitudes amongst out-patients in hospital clinic for chronic asthmaMethod: A questionnaire to patients interviewed in 2011/2 was carried out in 2012/3Results : Out 146 patients interviewed in 2011/2, 109 patients(78 Female, mean age 53.6, SD 18.0) responded. Vaccination rate was 63.3%, (F70.%. M 45.2%) compared to 54.8% in previous year. 9 (8.3%) patients did not revaccinate while 28.4% did not for either year. 102/109(93.5% reported previous vaccination) and 78(71.6%) vaccinated in at least one year in the last 2. Reasons for newly vaccinated patients(n=18) were doctor’s advice 18 (100%), to protect self 5 (27.8%), to protect family 1 (5.6%), to prevent asthma exacerbations 4(22.2%). For 51 Revaccinated patients 66.7, 39.2, 13.7, 47.1% respectively. Patients vaccinated in 2011/2012 had 0.58 coarses of steroid/patient/year, and 7.3 visits of nebulizer/patient/year while non vaccinated needed 0.18/pt/yr, and 0.65/pt/yr respectively. 13 of 51(25.5%) re-vaccinated patients, and 20/78 (25.6%) of patients vaccinated over two years did so despite reporting previous side effects. Of 31 not vaccinated in either year 22 (71.0%) said this was for fear of side effects. Those Vaccinated in 2011/2(n= 60), 20(33.3%) used beta agonist daily, 14 (23.3%)2-4 times per week, and 26(43.3%) never. For non vaccinated patients in 2011/2 data was 16.3%, 26.5%, 57.12%, respectively.Conclusion. Re-vaccinated patients gave much more weight to preventing severe asthma attacks and more severely affected patients are likely to vaccinate even in the light of past side effects.