A survey to evaluate the implementation of vaccine recommendations among rheumatologists practicing in Greece

We sought to document the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward vaccinations among rheumatologists practicing in Greece.

Rheumatologists practicing in Greece in 2015 were surveyed by questionnaire during the Postgraduate Course of the Greek Rheumatology Society. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software.

One hundred and ten practicing rheumatologists in Greece were surveyed. Response rate was 63%. The majority of responders (82%) inquire patients about vaccination status during rheumatology medical history and most of them specifically advise patients for vaccination uptake (91%). Correct identification of all vaccine types was made by 11% of rheumatologists that took the survey. Ninety-three percent of responders were aware that influenza vaccine should be administered annually, and 94% acknowledged the need for pneumococcal vaccination. Some were not concerned about reduced immunogenicity in patients receiving treatment with methotrexate/TNF inhibitors and rituximab/abatacept (17% and 7%, respectively). A notable percentage overlook that live vaccines are contraindicated during treatment with TNF inhibitors (17%), conventional synthetic DMARDs (61%), or corticosteroids (30%).

According to our results, the majority of Greek rheumatologists have implemented a vaccine strategy in their everyday practice. Still, there are several misconceptions that need to be addressed. A significant percentage cannot properly distinguish between inactivated and live vaccines, and many are not knowledgeable of the potential effect of specific DMARDs on the immunogenicity and safety of vaccination.