A SHORT SURVEY ABOUT AWARENESS OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION AMONG PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this survey was to highlight whether influenza vaccination was advised or not in patients with heart failure. Whether heart failure patients are aware of its significance or not, and more importantly they are getting vaccinated or not. Methodology: This descriptive short survey was conducted at heart failure clinic of a tertiary care cardiac center. Consecutive patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were interviewed regarding awareness and significance of influenza vaccination. Survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire with specific sections pertinent to the demographic details of the participants, clinical history of heart failure and hospitalizations, co-morbid conditions, and awareness and adherence to the influenza vaccination. Results: A total of 60 patients with HFrEF participated in this survey, 71.7% (43) of which were male, overall mean age was 56.82 ± 11.78 years, and mean duration since diagnosis of HFrEF was 3.88 ± 3.66 years. Only 15% (9) of the participants were aware of influenza vaccination, 18.3% (11) recall being advised by the medical officer, and 11.7% (7) received these vaccinations. Conclusion: Influenza vaccination rate in patients with heart failure in Pakistan population is very low. The primary reason is inadequate prescription practice by physicians and lack of adequate awareness. Need of time is to emphasis health care provider to prescribe and encourage their patients with heart failure to receive influenza vaccine and to make it accessible.