Background/Purpose:

Inflammatory arthritides such as RA and PsA increase infection risk. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against i. influenza for all adults annually and ii. pneumococcus for all ‘at-risk’ adults (> 65 years, specific conditions or those taking certain immunosuppressants). The aim of this study was to examine patients’ knowledge, uptake and attitudes to influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and to assess opportunities to increase vaccination rates in our inflammatory arthritis clinic.

Methods:

Patients attending the inflammatory arthritis clinic in St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin completed an anonymous 23 question worksheet while awaiting their physician. Demographic details, medical history, medications, knowledge about vaccinations, vaccination status, reasons for lack of vaccination and attitudes regarding willingness to use a smart phone for healthcare record were recorded.

Results:

125 patients responded, 79% were female and 71% were over 50 years of age. 83% had completed high school. Half of the patients had RA. 23% of patients were using methotrexate, 17% oral steroids and 34% an injectable biologic.

Awareness that rheumatological conditions increase risk of infection was reported by 51%, while 54% were aware that their medications can increase the infection risk. 67% were aware influenza vaccination was recommended, most commonly via their primary care physician (PCP) at 42%. 10% learnt of the need for vaccination through television or radio.

55% were up to date with their ‘flu’ vaccination, mainly (68%) via their PCP. 4% of patients received their last vaccine in hospital. Stated reasons for not being adequately vaccinated included lack of awareness (23%) and fear of side effects (15%).

66% were aware pneumococcal vaccination might be indicated, 42% were informed by their PCP. None were informed by television or radio. 47% of respondents were up to date with their pneumococcal vaccination, mainly (82%) via their PCP. 2% had been vaccinated in the hospital. 59% of those not adequately vaccinated cited lack of awareness as the reason.

75% of patients had access to a smart phone. 76% were willing to use their smart phone for their healthcare record and reminder re vaccinations.

Conclusion:

Patient awareness of the risk of infection associated with disease and treatment was low. Although over two thirds were aware of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination recommendations, significantly fewer patients were up-to-date with their vaccinations. The majority of vaccinations took place in the community. The use of mass media and mobile technology may be an effective means of increasing vaccination uptake.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/uptake-of-influenza-and-pneumococcal-vaccination-in-inflammatory-arthritis/