Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Uptake, Attitude, and Knowledge Among Patients Receiving Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy

Abstract

Influenza is a potential cause of severe disease in the immunocompromised. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, in spite of adequate replacement therapy, are at risk of significant morbidity and adverse outcomes. A seasonal vaccine is the primary prophylactic countermeasure to limit disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude, knowledge, and influenza vaccine uptake among Irish patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT), as well as uptake in co-habitants. Fifty-seven percent of patients receiving IgRT at a regional immunology referral center completed a questionnaire evaluation. Seventy-six percent of IgRT patients received the influenza vaccine for the 2019 season. Ninety-eight percent recognized that influenza could be prevented with vaccination, and 81% deemed it a safe treatment. Ninety-three percent correctly identified that having a chronic medical condition, independent of age, was an indication for vaccination. Despite excellent compliance and knowledge, many were not aware that vaccination was recommended for co-habitants, and only 24% had full vaccine coverage at home. Those who received advice regarding vaccination of household members had higher rates of uptake at home. This study demonstrates awareness and adherence to seasonal influenza vaccine recommendations among patients receiving IgRT. Over three quarters felt adequately informed, the majority stating physicians as their information source. We identified an easily modifiable knowledge gap regarding vaccination of household members. This data reveals a need to emphasize the importance of vaccination for close contacts of at-risk patients, to maintain optimal immunity and health outcome.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Coverage of Recommended Vaccinations in Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Telephone Survey in Italy

“…Regarding self-reported vaccination uptake, pneumococcal had the highest rate (16.1%), followed by meningococcal (7.2%), and HZ (4.9%). These findings are of extreme concern and are significantly lower than the values of 77% for seasonal influenza among Irish patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy [ 25 ] and of 41% for pneumococcal vaccination among patients with chronic conditions in France [ 26 ]. Similar values of uptake have been observed for pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations with only 13.9% and 1.5% among patients with inflammatory arthritis in Bulgaria [ 27 ], 7.8% of diabetic patients in China [ 28 ], and 7% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who have received the influenza vaccine in Saudi Arabia [ 29 ]; in China, 3.29% and 6.69% of chronic disease patients aged < 65 years and ≥65 years have received the pneumococcal vaccine [ 30 ].…”

Physician vaccination practices in mild to moderate inborn errors of immunity and retrospective review of vaccine completeness in IEI: results from the Canadian Immunization Research Network

“…Ballow et al reported 76% and 74% influenza vaccine uptake for pediatric and adult patients with B cell defects (X-linked agammaglobulinemia, CVID, hypogammaglobulinemia) for the 2016–2017 influenza season in a survey of US IEI patients [ 45 ]. Cox et al reported similar uptake of 76% for the 2019–2020 season in adult IEI patients receiving regular immunoglobulin replacement at a single Irish center [ 46 ]. Methodology for both studies was patient self-report rather than caregiver report validated by review of vaccine records as in our study.…”