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Interventions increase vaccination rates for pediatric rheumatology patients
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Simple practice-level interventions increased the pneumococcal vaccination coverage rate of pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and others on immunosuppressive therapy, according to research in Pediatrics.
“Pneumococcal vaccination is an important part of the care for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and patients with other pediatric rheumatologic conditions on immunosuppressive medications,” Julia G. Harris, MD, of the division of rheumatology and department of pediatrics at Children’s Mercy-Kansas City, and colleagues wrote. “Simple quality interventions … led to a marked and sustained increase in pneumococcal vaccination rate in this vulnerable population.”
The researchers reviewed patient visits of 305 children aged older than 2 years and adults with SLE and children on immunosuppressive therapy, between 2012 and 2013. Interventions — including a presentation to physicians, an immunization algorithm, pre-visit planning, reminders on clinical forms and reminder emails sent to patients — were created for clinicians to increase the vaccination coverage for Prevnar 13 (13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Pfizer; PCV13) and Pneumovax 23 (23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Merck; PPSV23).
Study data revealed that the increase in vaccination rates after the intervention period was statistically significant, when compared with the pre-intervention period. The coverage rate for PCV13 rose from 6.79% to 48.4%; for PPSV23, coverage grew from 8.9% to 28.4% (P < .001 for both).
Although rheumatology patients comprise a small percentage of patients at general pediatric offices, the researchers said these simple interventions can be adapted to fit any patient at risk for vaccine-preventable disease.
“To improve and maintain future performance, a team approach is highly recommended because relying on a single individual to do certain initiatives is not sustainable,” Harris and colleagues wrote. “This may include sending letters to all eligible clinic patients and providing an educational document explaining the importance of pneumococcal vaccination as part of the care of their disease.” – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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