Abstract
Background: Annual influenza immunisation (FI) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLWH) in the UK but HIV services do not receive specific funding for this, whereas GP practices and pharmacies do. High uptake of FI requires services that are easy to access. We explored behaviour and attitudes towards the provision of FI amongst PLWH in the UK.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey of uptake of influenza immunisation, services used and patient attitudes towards FI in a metropolitan HIV care service.
Results: 209 individuals responded to the questionnaire of whom 171 (81%) were aware of the recommendation for annual influenza immunisation for PLWH. 136 (65%) had received FI; 23 (11%) planned to do so and 40 (24%) did not want to be immunised. Of those immunised, 71 (54%) received this in their GP practice, 31(23%) in their HIV care service, 10 (8%) at a pharmacy and 24 (18%) elsewhere. Of the 33 individuals who did not plan to have FI this year, 28 (85%) reported that this was because they did not want it, 3 (9%) indicated that they did not know where to get it and 2 (6%) reported allergy to the products used. When asked if they would be able to receive the FI at their GP practice, 109/153 (73%) of respondents reported that they would be prepared to do this. Of the 45 who reported that they could not receive FI at their GP practice, 36 (80%) reported that they would prefer it to be given in their HIV service.
Conclusion: We found high levels of awareness of the need for FI, and reasonable uptake. Most immunisations were provided by GP practices, although one-quarter prefer to be immunised in their HIV care service. Resources for influenza immunisation of HIV positive individuals should facilitate patient choice.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
