The Frequency of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important public health issue. COPD exacerbations are the common cause of mortality and morbidity. Efficient treatment strategies for prevention of exacerbations are still inadequate. Most acute exacerbations are triggered by viral or bacterial infections. Therefore, vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus are currently recommended for all persons with COPD. Several studies showed that vaccination reduces the mortality and morbidity related to COPD. The aim of present study was to investigate the influenza/pneumococcal vaccination rate and predictors of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination among them. Questionnaire forms including questions about demographic data of patients and also influenza/pneumococcal vaccination were filled by face to face interview method. The study was carried out between November 2009 and March 2010 and this study included 129 patients. The mean age of the patients was 67 (41-85) years; and 95% were males. COPD severity was graded as mild in 8% of patients, moderate in 47 %, severe and very severe in 45 % respectively. The rate of patients having been vaccinated in the previous year was 37%, and the rate of pneumococcal vaccination at least once was 15%. In the present study it was found that there was no correlation between vaccination frequency and severity of COPD. This study showed that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates among COPD patients are quite low. Therefore, importance of vaccination should be emphasized by clinicians.