Diabetic Patient Adherence to Yearly Influenza Vaccination in Northern Greece

Background Influenza virus infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Public health authorities recommend yearly vaccination of diabetic patients against seasonal influenza. Methods We surveyed to define the adherence to influenza vaccination and associated factors among diabetic patients in Thessaloniki, Greece. Predictors of adherence to yearly influenza vaccination were assessed with logistic regression models. Results A total of 206 patients were enrolled, with 47.1% reporting yearly vaccination against influenza (95% confidence interval, CI:40.3% to 53.9%). In univariate models, the absence of additional indications for vaccination was associated with a decreased likelihood of vaccination uptake (OR:0.29, 95% CI:0.11 to 0.68, p=0.007); older diabetic patients were more likely to receive influenza vaccination (34% increase per 10 years of age). These associations were attenuated in multivariable analysis. Conclusion Our study demonstrates a significant gap in influenza vaccination coverage rate in diabetic patients. Our data could be extrapolated to enhance the uptake of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: emphasis should be placed on patient education.