Vaccination coverage against influenza and pneumococcus for patients admitted to a pulmonary care service

Introduction. - The aim of this work was to study the vaccination coverage against influenza and pneumococcus in patients admitted to a pulmonary care department. Methods. - Between September 2010 and August 2011, we conducted a prospective observational study of patients admitted to our institution. A history of vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus was sought systematically using a standardized questionnaire. Results. - Of 476 patients admitted to the pulmonary service at our institution, 246 had COPD, 175 had undergone thoracic surgery and 55 had a chronic respiratory disease other than COPD. The average age of our patients was 67 years (60-76) and the sex-ratio was 1.6 (291 M and 185 F). Amongst the target population for influenza vaccination, coverage was 73%. The main reason for patients not to have been vaccinated against influenza was patient refusal or intolerance (59%). Amongst the target population for antipneumococcal vaccination, the coverage was 53%. The main reason for the lack of vaccination against pneumococcus was that no offer of vaccination had been made by a physician (92.5%). Conclusion. - Vaccination coverage was low, in particular for pneumococcus. Pulmonary departments are strategic sites which could take action to systematically improve vaccination coverage. (C) 2013 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.