Determinants of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients with chronic lung diseases

Despite strong recommendations, immunization rates for influenza and pneumococci are low. We aimed to analyse the vaccination status and its determinants in patients with chronic lung diseases. Methods: Information about actual influenza (IV) and pneumococcal (PV) vaccination status was obtained by a standardised questionnaire from 2491 patients presenting to a specialised centre of respiratory medicine in Rotenburg/Wuemme (Germany). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential determinants of IV and PV. Results: Of 2131 patients with asthma and/or COPD, included into detailed analyses (52.0% male, mean age 56.6 years), 46.5% had received an IV and 14.6% a PV. Main reason for not being vaccinated was the lack of information, reaching 87.6% for PV (53.5% for IV); 37.0% saw no reason for an IV (PV 21.3%). Vaccination rates differed depending on the patients' age and education level. Conclusion: The results indicate a marked information deficit on immunization which is explicitly higher for PV. Target-group-specific strategies should increase the knowledge on vaccinations in order to avoid the development or aggravation of acute and chronic lung diseases.