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.
Highlights
Seasonal influenza is a transmissible acute respiratory illness that causes a mild infection in the majority of people
Granting of a medical/general practitioner (GP) card is primarily based on income grounds, or if the burden of healthcare costs would result in hardship
This study shows satisfactory influenza vaccine uptake among patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) in a large referral hospital
Summary
Seasonal influenza is a transmissible acute respiratory illness that causes a mild infection in the majority of people. It is a public health concern as high-risk populations have an increased likelihood of severe disease [1, 2]. There are year-toyear minor antigenic drift and periodic major antigenic shift; annual vaccination is required and has been shown to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality [3, 4]. Infection-related complications are more prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, those over 65 years of age, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women [5,6,7,8].
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