Vaccination against influenza and pneumococus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Reumatol Clin (Engl Ed). 2023 Jan;19(1):49-52. doi: 10.1016/j.reumae.2021.11.003. Epub 2022 May 13.

Abstract

Background: Vaccination against pathogens such as influenza or pneumococcus is widely recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis; the prevalence of adherence to these vaccination programmes in Mexico is not known.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, through the application of a survey to adult patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis treated in a tertiary hospital in Mexico City.

Results: 227 patients were included, vaccination against influenza was found in 31.3% and against pneumococcus in 17.6% of patients, the main reasons for non-compliance with the vaccination schedule were related to ignorance and the recommendation by doctors not to do so.

Conclusions: Compliance with the recommended vaccination schedules in the studied population is lower than those reported in other populations. The most important interventions to improve coverage should be aimed at educating both patients and medical personnel.

Keywords: Artritis reumatoide; Influenza; Neumococo; Pneumococcus; Rheumatoid arthritis; Vaccination; Vacunación.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / drug therapy
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human* / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Patient Compliance
  • Vaccination