• FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
  • We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.

J Clin Immunol . Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Uptake, Attitude, and Knowledge Among Patients Receiving Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy

tetano

Editor, Senior Moderator
J Clin Immunol


. 2021 Jan 5.
doi: 10.1007/s10875-020-00922-3. Online ahead of print.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Uptake, Attitude, and Knowledge Among Patients Receiving Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy


Fionnuala Cox[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Catherine King[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Anne Sloan[SUP] 2 [/SUP], David J Edgar[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Niall Conlon[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP]



Affiliations

Abstract

Influenza is a potential cause of severe disease in the immunocompromised. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, in spite of adequate replacement therapy, are at risk of significant morbidity and adverse outcomes. A seasonal vaccine is the primary prophylactic countermeasure to limit disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude, knowledge, and influenza vaccine uptake among Irish patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT), as well as uptake in co-habitants. Fifty-seven percent of patients receiving IgRT at a regional immunology referral center completed a questionnaire evaluation. Seventy-six percent of IgRT patients received the influenza vaccine for the 2019 season. Ninety-eight percent recognized that influenza could be prevented with vaccination, and 81% deemed it a safe treatment. Ninety-three percent correctly identified that having a chronic medical condition, independent of age, was an indication for vaccination. Despite excellent compliance and knowledge, many were not aware that vaccination was recommended for co-habitants, and only 24% had full vaccine coverage at home. Those who received advice regarding vaccination of household members had higher rates of uptake at home. This study demonstrates awareness and adherence to seasonal influenza vaccine recommendations among patients receiving IgRT. Over three quarters felt adequately informed, the majority stating physicians as their information source. We identified an easily modifiable knowledge gap regarding vaccination of household members. This data reveals a need to emphasize the importance of vaccination for close contacts of at-risk patients, to maintain optimal immunity and health outcome.

Keywords: Hypogammaglobulinemia; IVIg; Immunoglobulin replacement therapy; Influenza vaccine; SCIg.
 
Back
Top Bottom