Improving the vaccination rate of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-getting started with clinicians

Abstract

Infection of influenza virus or Streptococcus pneumoniae is the important causes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and death, resulting in huge burden of medical costs. Although the guidelines at all levels generally recommend vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, the vaccination rate in China is not satisfactory. The main reasons include the limitations of economic, geographical and time constraints, as well as the influence of various socio-psychological factors and the fear of exacerbating the disease due to influenza vaccine and so on. We need start with clinicians, pay attention to the interaction of various influencing factors, to promote the integration of researchers in clinical medicine and preventive medicine, and make comprehensive consideration in the epidemic prevention strategy, which will help to adopt multi-mode methods to improve vaccination coverage and finally achieve a healthy life of patients with COPD.