Immunization status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A multicenter study from Turkey

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly increases susceptibility to respiratory infections.
• Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and improving patient outcomes.
• Understanding vaccination patterns in specific populations, like those in Turkey, is vital for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in Turkish patients with COPD.
• To identify factors associated with vaccination uptake in this cohort.
• To examine the outcomes of vaccination during the 2013-2014 season.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective cohort study involving 4968 patients across 53 centers in Turkey.
• Data collection included patient demographics, COPD severity (GOLD stages), vaccination history, comorbidities, and exacerbation rates.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with vaccination.

Main Results:

• Influenza vaccination rate was 37.9% and pneumococcal vaccination rate was 13.3%.
• Higher vaccination rates were observed in older patients, those with higher education, more severe COPD, comorbidities, ex-smokers, and urban residents.
• Advanced age, higher education, comorbidities, and higher COPD stages were associated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates are notably low among COPD patients in Turkey.
• Despite low vaccination rates, factors such as advanced age, higher education, comorbidities, and COPD severity are associated with vaccination uptake.
• High rates of physician visits and hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbations highlight the need for improved vaccination strategies.