The Coverage of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination among Kidney Transplant Recipients and Waiting List Patients: A Cross Sectional Survey in Denmark

BACKGROUND: To characterize level and predictors of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptake among Danish kidney transplant recipients (KTR) and kidney transplant waiting list patients (WLP).

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey based on self-reported vaccine uptake including WLP and KTR ≤ 1½ years post transplantation. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses identifying factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake in the latest season were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 220 participants were included in the study, 54% KTR and 46% WLP. Self-reported influenza vaccine uptake in the latest season was overall 41.8%. Uptake of influenza vaccine on any prior season apart from the latest season was 53.2% and significantly higher among WLP than KTR (P = .007). Pneumococcal vaccine uptake was only 4% overall. The only factor positively associated with influenza vaccine uptake in the latest season was any prior influenza vaccine uptake (OR 5.79, CI95 2.44-13.76) (P < .001). Recommendations given by other persons (non-physician) were negatively associated with receiving the influenza vaccination in the latest season (OR 0.34, CI95 0.13-0.92) (P = .03). Reasons for not being vaccinated were primarily lack of information, perception of own good health, and fear of adverse reactions.

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptakes were suboptimal among Danish WLP and KTR. Increased awareness about guidelines and physicians´ education are warranted.