Purpose: Infections are frequent and often result in serious complications in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Prophylactic vaccination is recommended for influenza virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), and Hemophilus influenzaeb (Hib). The aims of this study were to measure the vaccination rates within 24 months after the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and to identify factors associated with vaccine use.
Methods: MM patients were selected through the French national health insurance database from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015. Patients with a previous history of MM were excluded.
Results: Vaccination rates against influenza, SP, and Hib among 22,831 newly diagnosed MM patients were, respectively, 28.5%, 10.3%, and 1.4%. Only 0.7% received all three vaccines. Factors associated with vaccination were young age, male gender, an absence of comorbidity, a history of higher medication and vaccine consumption, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), and the use of pneumocystis prophylaxis.
Conclusion: The low rates of vaccination indicate the need to improve physician and MM patient adherence and education regarding vaccination.
Keywords: French national health insurance database; infectious diseases; multiple myeloma; pharmacoepidemiology; vaccines.