Provision of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to injection drug users at a syringe exchange

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptance, and utility of administering influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to active injection drug users at a syringe exchange program (SEP) in New York City. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines were offered for 1 month. Data on demographics, health status, vaccine awareness, and prior vaccination status were collected using a staff-administered questionnaire. Of 199 participants interviewed 167 (86%) agreed to one or both vaccinations; 24% of study participants had a chronic condition for which vaccination was indicated and 53% had no regular source of medical care; 95% were aware of influenza vaccine while 25% were aware of pneumococcal vaccine (p <.0001). Of those offered the influenza vaccine, 86% accepted it and 70% of those offered pneumococcal vaccine accepted it (p <.001). Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations were well-accepted by active drug users at a syringe exchange although there was both greater awareness of and acceptance of influenza. Many SEP participants with chronic medical conditions for which these vaccines are indicated did not have a regular source of health care. Syringe exchange programs may be valuable sites to administer respiratory vaccines and other public health interventions to drug injectors not engaged in medical care in other settings.