Vaccination Coverage In Patients Research Articles

Cumplimiento de vacunación frente a la gripe y el neumococo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica atendidos en atención primaria en Galicia

Objectives Since 2000, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination has been are offered to persons at high risk in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. This survey describes influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and analyzes the factors related to compliance with both vaccination recommendations. Patients and methods A descriptive study was conducted in the primary care setting in Galicia. Information was drawn from patients’ clinical histories and personal interviews. The dependent variable was the answer (yes or no) to the questions «were you vaccinated against influenza during the last campaign?» and «have you ever been given a pneumococcal vaccine shot?». As independent variables, we analyzed health status, sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Results A total of 690 patients were included in the study, 77% of whom reported having received both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. The factors that increased the likelihood of having received both vaccineswere older age (> 64 years), being an ex-smoker, poor selfperceived health status, and longer disease progression. Conclusions Compliance with influenza and pneumococcal vaccination recommendations among Galician COPD patients treated in primary care was better than that found among other high risk groups elsewhere. Nevertheless, new strategies should be implemented to improve compliance among younger patients.