Cardiologists' knowledge and perceptions of the seasonal influenza immunisation

Seasonal influenza immunisation reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, but 50% do not receive routine immunisation. The perceptions and current role of cardiologists in recommending and prescribing influenza immunisation has not been well described.

We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Semi-structured interviews of 10 cardiologists were performed to identify themes for quantitative evaluation. 63 cardiologists undertook quantitative evaluation in an online survey. The interviews and surveys addressed (a) attitudes and behaviours regarding influenza immunisation and (b) preventative care in cardiology.

One quarter (25.4%, n = 16) of cardiologists recommended influenza immunisation to all patients. Less than half (49.2%, n = 31) recommended influenza immunisation to secondary prevention patients. Almost 1/3 of respondents (31.7%, n = 20) were uncertain or unaware of the guidelines regarding influenza immunisation and patients with cardiac disease. Most cardiologists believed that general practitioners were responsible for ensuring patients received influenza immunisation (76.2%, n = 48).

Despite reducing cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, influenza immunisation is not widely recommended by cardiologists. Further clinician education is needed to address the knowledge gaps which prevent recommendation and uptake of this guideline directed treatment.