Influenza vaccination coverage among splenectomized patients: an Italian study on the role of active recall in the vaccination compliance

Abstract

Patients with anatomical or functional hypo-/a-splenia have a 10- to 50-fold higher risk of developing severe infectious diseases than does the general population. Thus, it is recommended to adhere to a specific vaccination schedule, including receiving influenza vaccine. During 2014, Bari Policlinico General Hospital approved a specific protocol to ensure that vaccines are actively offered to all splenectomized patients during their hospitalizations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of this active recall protocol for performing influenza vaccination in the years following splenectomy among patients still involved in a specific vaccination program carried out by the hospital’s Hygiene department. From May 2014 to October 2016, 96 patients were involved in the vaccination program of the Hygiene department. In November 2017, 46/96 (48%) of patients received a specific invitation by phone to receive the annual influenza vaccine (intervention group), while 50/96 (52%) did not receive any such invitation (control group). At the end of the 2017 influenza season, 73/96 (76%; 95%CI = 66–84%) of patients reported having received the influenza vaccine; no differences were observed in the extent of vaccine coverage between the groups (intervention group = 80% vs. control group = 72%; p = 0.33). Older age, more recent splenectomy, hemo-lymphopathy and receiving the previous years’ doses of influenza vaccine are associated with receiving influenza vaccination during the 2017 season. These data indicate how effective communication at the time of the vaccine counseling results in good adherence to the vaccination program even after several years. Indeed, vaccination should be an opportunity not only limited to the administration of the vaccine but also for providing patient care.

Prevention of influenza complications in patients with liver disease: a retrospective cohort study

“…A 2021 study on liver transplant patients further supported the association between flu shot uptake and previous influenza vaccination history, reporting an aOR of 20 (95% CI = 8–52) ( 11 ). This finding is consistent with several other studies in the literature that also demonstrate this association among various high-risk subgroups ( 12 , 13 ).…”

COVID-19 Immunization Rates in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Social disparities acting as barriers to vaccination uptake, not exclusively for anti-COVID-19 vaccines, have been established as determinants by other evidence within the literature [39][40][41]. The significance of receiving a previous anti-influenza vaccination as a determinant of vaccination adherence is well documented and reported in the literature for various sub-groups [42][43][44]. Our study also reveals a contrasting pattern in gender-based compliance among individuals with IBD.…”

Vaccine coverage for recommended vaccines among splenectomised patients in Apulia, South Italy: a retrospective cohort study

“…The introduction of intrahospital vaccination protocols for chronic patients has been shown to strongly increase the VC (up to 10-fold) of these individuals 13 and to guarantee good adherence to prophylaxis recommendations in the years following the splenectomy. 20 When it is not possible to vaccinate in a hospital setting, cooperation between the vaccinologist, physicians from other specialties and GPs seems to be a determining factor for achieving higher immunisation rates in these patients. Currently, the lack of recommendations by GPs and the absence of a clear communication circuit between GPs and branch specialists are considered the main obstacles to these patients’ access to immunisation.…”