Evaluation of vaccination coverage in cochlear implant patients at a referral hospital in Northern Spain

The risk of bacterial meningitis increases in cochlear implant patients. Therefore, pneumococcal, influenza and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination is indicated in this group. The aim of this study was to determine compliance with the vaccination calendar in patients implanted in a referral hospital.

Patients with cochlear implant operated between 2005 and 2015 were included. Vaccine coverage for seasonal influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal conjugate 13-serotypes and pneumococcal polysaccharide 23-serotypes was evaluated. The sample was divided into 2 age groups (<14 years and≥14 years). A univariate and bivariate analysis was performed.

Of the 153 patients studied (28.01% 0-13 years old and 71.9%≥14), only 2 (5.71%) had 100% adherence to the vaccination schedule, while 65.71% had compliance of 50% or less. Overall, vaccination coverage against the sequential pneumococcal pattern was 48.57%. The paediatric population exceeded 90% coverage for the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal conjugate 13-serotypes while in those over 14 years of age it barely exceeded 50%. Influenza coverage was less than 40%. An inverse correlation was obtained between age and compliance, although not statistically significant.

Vaccination coverage in patients with cochlear implant is lower than expected. Close collaboration between Otolaryngology departments and the Vaccination Units is proposed as the main strategy for improvement.