Background/Purpose: Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) are at increased risk for developing infections. The pathophysiology of the primary disease process, as well as the immunosuppressive agents used in management of these conditions both contribute to this increased risk. Routine vaccine administration can prevent severe infections in this patient population. Our aim was to determine the rates of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine administration in the patients followed in the rheumatology clinics at SUNY Downstate Medical Center (SUNY DMC), as well as the factors associated with vaccine uptake.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 296 eligible patients during the period between October 2014 and January 2015. Demographic data including age, gender, number of clinic visits during the period, autoimmune rheumatic diagnosis, frequency of primary care follow-up and immunization status with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines were collected. An additional survey was administered to 39 established clinic patients over the period covering March 8 to April 4, 2016. Data collected included age, sex, ethnicity, level of education, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination status, physician referral for vaccination and reasons (if applicable) for refusal of immunization.

Results: Of the 296 participants, 271 (91.6%) were female, with 266 (89.9%) on immunosuppressive therapy. The majority of the patients had the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematous (n=165; 55.74%) and rheumatoid arthritis (n=97; 32.77%). The prevalence of influenza virus and pneumococcal vaccination were low at 18.92% (n=56) and 14.53% (n=43) respectively. Among the participants surveyed, the most common reason for refusal of the influenza vaccination (60%) was concerns about subsequent illness.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients with AAIRDS followed at SUNY DMC rheumatology clinic are lower than that of the general population. The main factor affecting the rate of immunization was found to be concerns for acquired illness from the vaccines. This information can be used by clinicians to develop interventions to ensure increased vaccine uptake, including improved verbal patient education as well as the dissemination of printed materials with important facts about immunization.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-of-influenza-and-pneumococcal-polysaccharide-vaccine-administration-and-the-factors-affecting-vaccine-uptake-in-a-population-of-patients-with-autoimmune-inflammatory-rheumatic-diseases-in-a/