Influenza and Other Prophylactic Vaccination Coverage in Polish Adult Patients Undergoing Allergen Immunotherapy—A Survey Study among Patients and Physicians

Abstract

Vaccines against infectious diseases may raise safety concerns in patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy (AIT). The objective of our study was to investigate influenza vaccine and other selected prophylactic vaccines coverage in patients treated with AIT and the attitude of physicians towards vaccinations in this group of patients. We conducted a questionnaire-based study among patients undergoing AIT and physicians. The patients’ survey evaluated influenza and other prophylactic vaccines coverage. The physicians’ survey assessed their experience and opinions on prophylactic vaccinations during AIT. In total, 176 patients (aged 18–79 years) and 120 doctors filled the questionnaires. Patients were assigned to two groups—inhaled allergens group (n = 101) and insect venoms group (n = 68). The number of patients who received any dose (36% and 45%, p = 0.26), as well as two or more doses (17% and 22%, p = 0.43) of influenza vaccine was comparable between two groups. However, in both groups there was a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in influenza vaccine uptake after the beginning of AIT. Patients from the inhaled allergens group declared a higher tetanus vaccine rate (41% vs. 19%, p = 0.004). The groups did not differ in the pneumococcal and tick-borne encephalitis vaccination coverage. A majority of doctors believe that prophylactic vaccinations in patients undergoing AIT are safe and effective (96% and 94%, respectively); however, as many as 87% of them identify with the need to create clear recommendations regarding vaccinating patients undergoing AIT. Prophylactic vaccine coverage is not satisfactory among Polish adult patients undergoing AIT. Polish doctors are convinced of the validity of prophylactic vaccinations during AIT.