Influenza vaccination coverage and related factors among Spanish patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study sought: to describe influenza vaccination coverages among COPD patients treated in a primary-care setting; and to analyse the factors linked to compliance with vaccination recommendations. This was a descriptive study in a primary-care (PC) setting. Each of the 2422 randomly selected medical practitioners included in the study was required to recruit five COPD patients. Information was drawn from patients' clinical histories and personal interviews. As the dependent variable, we took the answer (yes or no) to the question, "did you have an influenza vaccination in the most recent campaign?"; and as independent variables, we analysed socio-demographic data, health-status related variables, lifestyles and history of pneumococcal vaccination. A total of 10,711 patients were enrolled 87.2% reported having been vaccinated in the most recent campaign. In conclusion, Spanish COPD patients treated in a primary-care setting can be said to enjoy good vaccine coverages against the influenza virus. More frequent contact with the general practitioner and a history of pneumococcal vaccination increase the likelihood of being vaccinated considerably, and measures should be implemented with the aim of improving coverages among younger subjects and those who lead less healthy lifestyles.