Highlights
- •We show influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates in Greek COPD patients <65.
- •Only 40.2% were vaccinated for influenza and 32.5% for pneumococcus.
- •We report the parameters that positively associate with increased vaccination likelihood.
- •In Greek COPD patients <65 increased health promotion for vaccination is needed.
Abstract
Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia are major causes of increased morbidity and mortality
among elderly and COPD patients. Vaccines against influenza and pneumococcus are recommended
for COPD patients according to GOLD 2020 guidelines to prevent serious illnesses.
Despite their high morbidity and mortality burden, the vaccination coverage rates
remain far below the WHO's recommended targets. In Greece, there are insufficient
data on influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates among younger COPD patients.
This study investigated whether COPD patients under the age of 65 are adequately vaccinated
against influenza and pneumococcus and the factors that influence vaccination rates.
1100 individuals at 22 Primary Health Centers in Central Greece participated in a
two-year spirometry monitoring program. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect
information regarding demographics, smoking status, comorbidities, respiratory illnesses
in the previous two years, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage from
all COPD patients. 117 patients aged 40–65 years old were diagnosed with COPD and
80.3% were males. Only 40.2% of them had received influenza and 32.5% pneumococcus
vaccinations. Age, advanced stage of COPD, years on COPD diagnosis, respiratory infection
within the previous two years, comorbidity, and smoking cessation are all positively
connected with influenza and pneumococcus vaccine coverage in younger COPD patients.
Gender, education level, and marital status did not affect influenza and pneumococcus
vaccination rates. These vaccination rates among younger COPD patients demonstrate
the need for increased awareness and knowledge about the advantages of immunizations
in lowering morbidity and mortality.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 14, 2022
Accepted:
September 9,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 31,
2022
Received:
June 14,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
