Influenza Vaccination in Psoriatic Patients—Epidemiology and Patient Perceptions: A German Multicenter Study (Vac-Pso)

• Main Authors: Christian Kromer, Phoebe Wellmann, Ralf Siemer, Selina Klein, Johannes Mohr, Andreas Pinter, Dagmar Wilsmann-Theis, Rotraut Mössner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Vaccines
• Subjects: psoriasis; atopic dermatitis; influenza; vaccination; pneumonia
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/9/8/843

The risk of developing severe complications from an influenza virus infection is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis (PsO) and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, low influenza vaccination rates have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine vaccination rates in PsO compared to AD patients and explore patient perceptions of vaccination. A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in 327 and 98 adult patients with PsO and AD, respectively. Data on vaccination, patient and disease characteristics, comorbidity, and patient perceptions was collected with a questionnaire. Medical records and vaccination certificates were reviewed. A total of 49.8% of PsO and 32.7% of AD patients were vaccinated at some point, while in season 2018/2019, 30.9% and 13.3% received an influenza vaccination, respectively. There were 96.6% and 77.6% of PsO and AD patients who had an indication for influenza vaccination due to age, immunosuppressive therapy, comorbidity, occupation, and/or pregnancy. Multivariate regression analysis revealed higher age (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and a history of bronchitis (<i>p</i> = 0.023) as significant predictors of influenza vaccination in PsO patients. Considering that most patients had an indication for influenza vaccination, the rate of vaccinated patients was inadequately low.