Factors influencing acceptance of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often complicated by influenza or pneumococcus, is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus are, but vaccination coverage in Thailand has not been ascertained. This study aimed to determine the determinants of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination acceptance in COPD patients. A cross-sectional study of 210 COPD patients was conducted. Demographics, vaccinations, clinical outcomes (exacerbations and hospitalizations), and pulmonary functions were collected. A total of 134 COPD patients (91.0%male) were eligible for final analysis. Of these, 102 (76.1%) and 59 (44.0%) were vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus, respectively. The influenza-vaccinated group had a higher rate of pneumococcal vaccination than the influenza-unvaccinated group (57.8% vs 0%, P < .001). Rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations were higher in the pulmonologist group than in the non-pulmonologist group (71.6% vs 31.3%, P < .001 and 91.5% vs 38.7%, P < .001, respectively). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, influenza vaccination coverage was significantly higher among patients with bronchodilator response on pulmonary function testing. Pneumococcal vaccination coverage was significantly higher among patients who were seeing pulmonologists. Reasons for not getting influenza vaccination or pneumococcal vaccination were lack of recommendation, lack of knowledge, and misunderstanding, and in the case of pneumococcal vaccine, the expense. In conclusion, the influenza vaccination coverage in our COPD patients was considered high while the pneumococcal vaccination coverage was considered low. Physicians are advised to recommend and promote pneumococcal vaccination.