Factors affecting vaccination rates against influenza in adults with asthma

Abstract

Asthma is considered one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide. Symptoms of disease can be triggered or worsened by a variety of factors including viral infection such as influenza, affirming the necessity for prophylactic vaccination. However, there is concern amongst the general population of the possibility of anaphylactic response to vaccination, which can deter patients with allergic asthma for fear of triggering exacerbation of their condition. The objective of the study was to determine the extent to which patients with asthma adhere to a schedule of recommended vaccinations in Poland. 214 patients were recruited from specialist outpatient clinics in Warsaw to complete voluntary an anonymous questionnaire created for the purpose of this study. Within the past year 82% stated having at least one respiratory infection, and 72% of patients were aware of the recommendation for yearly vaccination against the flu. 43% of patients reported receiving the flu vaccine at least once, and only 20% followed through with yearly vaccination. However, younger patients with asthma twice more less frequent they were vaccinated in relation to older patients (55+), 13.7% and 26.5% respectively. The most common sources of information about the importance of yearly flu vaccination were from their doctors (47%) and the media (26%). Relatively few asthmatic patients in Warsaw get yearly flu vaccinations despite the recommendations. These results were mainly sourced due to uncorrected fears and a lack of information about the importance of prophylaxis in asthma. It is essential to create effective strategies to inform patients with asthma of the importance of yearly vaccinations.