Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Komarek, C.
Vaccination coverage against influenza, pneumococcal infection and pertussis among hospitalized cardiological and pneumological patients at the University Hospital Graz.
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2020. pp. 46
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Flick Holger
- Taucher Elisabeth
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background. This study aimed at providing accurate data on vaccine coverage rates of influenza, pneumococcal infection and pertussis vaccination in cardiopulmonary patients at the University Clinic Graz. Vaccination against influenza is an effective way of preventing influenza and its complications, such as pneumonia, and reduces hospitalizations as well as exacerbations of underlying diseases. Therefore, individuals with underlying cardiopulmonary diseases or those above 65 years are at risk for developing complications, and particularly benefit from influenza vaccination. In Austria, vaccination against pneumococcal infection and pertussis is recommended for elderly patients with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions as well, however, data on how effective general practitioners endorse those vaccinations in patients when indicated, is still lacking. Methods. Between the 1st of April and 31st of May 2018, 222 patients were interviewed about their current vaccination status against influenza, pneumococcal infection and pertussis at the cardiological and pneumological department at the University Hospital Graz. In this explorative follow-up-study vaccination coverage rates of influenza-, pneumococcal- and pertussis vaccination, and the patients’ reasons for not being vaccinated were investigated, enlarging data from the previous winter season and allowing an overview of the vaccination situation in this target group. Furthermore, recent data on influenza vaccination were discussed in comparison to other vaccination programs in Europe in order to find possible ways of improving Austria’s vaccination program. Results. Out of all patients interviewed, 22% were vaccinated against influenza during the last winter season, 23% were vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and 4% against pertussis. In most cases, those not vaccinated against influenza claimed not to be convinced of the benefits of this vaccination. Most of those not vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and pertussis declared to have not been recommended this vaccination. Conclusion. Overall, vaccination coverages in this cohort of persons at risk are rather low and have not changed much since the previous season, indicating the need of major adjustments in Austria’s vaccination program with more emphasis on the effectiveness and importance of vaccination.