Background:

Influenza vaccination coverage in risk groups has been put forward as a healthcare quality indicator. Our objective was to determine the vaccination rate in splenectomized patients.

Methods:

We carried out a cross-sectional study that included splenectomized patients in the Zaragoza III Sector from January 2012 to December 2016. The patients were identified through the database of the Clinical Documentation and File Management Services of the Sector Hospital under code 41.5 of the ICD-9. The variables (sociodemographic and surgical variables, and having received information and advice regarding vaccination when they were admitted to the Immunization Unit) were obtained after a review of the patients’ records in the Specialized and Primary Care Services. The association with being vaccinated during the campaign corresponding to the surgery date was studied with bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model.

Results:

81 patients were analyzed; 60.5% were men, with an average age of 56.3 years. Neoplasms and hematological diseases were the most common motives for surgery (64.2%). The vaccination rate was 58%. Having been advised to vaccinate (OR=6.53; 95%CI=1.88-22.69) and having been vaccinated in the previous season (OR=4.79; 95%CI= 1.48-15.57) were associated with vaccination.

Conclusions:

The coverage rate ranks in an intermediate position when compared with other countries. It is necessary to improve the referral system of these patients to the Immunization Unit because the information obtained by this service leads to better results.

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