Influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage in 584 patients taking biological therapy for chronic inflammatory joint: A retrospective study

• Published in: Joint, bone, spine : revue du rhumatisme bone, spine : revue du rhumatisme, 2016-03, Vol.83 (2), p.155-159
• Main Authors: Brocq, Olivier, Acquacalda, Emilie, Berthier, Frédéric, Albert, Christine, Bolla, Gilles, Millasseau, Elodie, Destombe, Claire, Azulay, Johanna, Asquier, Caroline, Florent, Amélie, Le Seaux, Sylvie, Euller-Ziegler, Liana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - complications; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - drug therapy; Biological therapy; Biological Therapy - adverse effects; Chronic inflammatory joint disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Influenza vaccination; Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Influenza, Human - etiology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumococcal Infections - etiology; Pneumococcal Infections - prevention & control; Pneumococcal vaccination; Pneumococcal Vaccines - administration & dosage; Retrospective Studies; Rheumatology; Spondylarthritis - complications; Spondylarthritis - drug therapy; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1297-319X; 1778-7254
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2015.11.005

Abstract Objectives To evaluate influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage in patients taking biological therapy for chronic inflammatory joint disease and to identify factors associated with the decision to administer these two vaccines. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional questionnaire study of a cohort of 584 patients taking biological therapy for chronic inflammatory joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis). We studied the influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage rates, information about these vaccines given to patients by the primary-care physician and rheumatologist, and reasons for not administering the vaccines. Results Overall vaccine coverage rates were 44% for influenza and 62% for pneumococcus. Factors associated with being vaccinated were patient age, previous influenza vaccination, and patient information. Concern about adverse effects and absence of patient information by the primary-care physician and rheumatologist were associated with very low coverage rates. Conclusion This study showed insufficient vaccine coverage rates, particularly against influenza, in a population at high risk because of exposure to biological therapy. Patient information by healthcare professionals about influenza and pneumococcal vaccination has a major impact and should be renewed as often as possible.