The Effect of Pneumococcal, Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on COVID-19 Hospitalization and Progression in People over 65 Years Old Living in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Infectious diseases pose a major threat to elderly populations. Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, influenza-causing viruses, and COVID-19 viruses cause three pathologies in the respiratory system with similar symptoms, transmission routes, and risk factors. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccinations on the status of COVID-19 hospitalization and progression in people over 65 years of age living in nursing homes. This study was performed in all nursing homes and elderly care centers in the Uskudar district of Istanbul.The diagnosis rate of COVID-19 was determined as 49%, the rate of hospitalization as 22.4%, the rate of hospitalization in the intensive care unit as 12.2%. The rate of intubation was determined as 10.4%, the rate of mechanical ventilation as 11.1% and the rate of COVID-19 related mortality rate as 9.7%. When the factors affecting the diagnosis of COVID-19 were examined, the presence and dose of COVID-19 vaccine was protective. When the factors affecting hospitalization status were examined, male sex and presence of chronic disease were risk factors; four doses of COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. When the factors affecting COVID-19-related death were examined, the male sex was a risk factor; the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. Our results revealed that the availability of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines positively impacted the progression of COVID-19 disease in the elderly population living in nursing homes.

The Uptake of Pneumococcal and Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations Based on Perceptions and Attitudes Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Patients With Diabetes

“…The study by Yılmaz et al demonstrated that a regimen of four doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, in combination with the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, offered protection among elderly individuals living in nursing homes [23]. In the study conducted by Liang et al, among the participants who received the influenza vaccine, 60.7% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine [24].…”

Post-Infection Oscillometry and Pulmonary Metrics in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A 40-Day Follow-Up Study

“…Epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are also key concerns, with data provided on specific COVID-19 infection rates, outbreaks, and mortality. The effects of gender, chronic illness, and vaccination on COVID-19-related hospitalization and death are detailed, with male sex identified as a particular risk factor [ 29 , 30 ]. Importantly, the need to balance infection prevention with residents’ quality of life is a recurring theme, emphasizing the complexities of managing COVID-19 in these sensitive environments [ 27 ].…”

“…On the other hand, vaccinations and their effects are a focal point, with evidence demonstrating that the availability of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines has a positive impact on COVID-19 progression in the elderly population living in nursing homes [28]. This notion is supported by consensus statements that promote extensive influenza and pneumococcal vaccination campaigns, even hinting at possible protection against COVID-19 [29]. Epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are also key concerns, with data provided on specific COVID-19 infection rates, outbreaks, and mortality.…”

“All Hands on Deck”: Administrator Perspectives on Managing COVID-19 Outbreaks in U.S. Nursing Homes

“…In the context of the broader pandemic, our study time frame of July 2020-December 2021 reflects nursing home administrator discussions of COVID-19 outbreaks which occurred both pre-and post-vaccine. This distinction is noteworthy as the COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of the virus for nursing home residents (Yilmaz et al, 2023;Barnett, 2023, McConeghy et al, 2022;Mor et al, 2021). Yet, even after the deployment of vaccines, administrators acknowledged experiencing overwhelming COVID-19 outbreaks (with fewer deaths) at their facilities once the Delta variant became dominant (Dykgraaf et al, 2021;LaFuente-LaFuente et al, 2022).…”