Intervention bundle improves flu vaccination rates in RA/JIA patients
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ATLANTA — An intervention bundle reminding patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the benefits of influenza vaccination was associated with improved vaccine coverage, according to findings presented at ACR/ARP 2019.
Valeria Valerio, a fellow-in-training at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, in Montreal, and colleagues, suggested that while influenza vaccination is recommended for adults with RA and JIA, coverage among those patients remains suboptimal. “Interventions proven to enhance immunization rates in other at-risk groups include letters to patients, physician reminders, and home visits providing vaccines,” they wrote.
The researchers implemented the bundle at a major North American academic medical center between October and December 2018. The bundle consisted of a letter to patients with RA and JIA explaining the benefits of vaccination, a free influenza vaccine at participating rheumatology clinics, and flyers and posters in rheumatology clinics.
The researchers had gathered baseline vaccination data in 2015, which they then compared with data through May 2019.
Starting in October 2018, researchers mailed 254 letters. During the intervention period, 343 patients with RA and JIA had appointments. The influenza vaccine was administered to 116 of those patients. For 92.2% of this group, the vaccine was administered at the time of a previously scheduled appointment. The remaining 7.7% were vaccinated in response to the letter.
Findings from a post-intervention survey showed influenza vaccination rates increased from 48.5% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2019 (P = .03).
Other findings from the survey showed that 38.8% of patients received an influenza vaccination from the rheumatology clinic.
Multivariable analysis results indicated key predictors of vaccination, including physician recommendation (OR = 6.56; 95% CI, 1.54-27.97), age (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), and use of biologic therapies (OR = 3.45; 95% CI, 1.04-11.4).
Conversely, among the 35.5% of respondents who failed to receive vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal were the most commonly reported reasons.
“An influenza vaccine bundle, with recall interventions directed at both patients and providers, and that facilitated the vaccination process, was associated with an increase in vaccine coverage among adults with RA/JIA,” the researchers concluded. – by Rob Volansky
Reference:
Valerio V. Abstract #2096. An intervention bundle increases uptake of influenza vaccine by rheumatoid arthritis patients. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals Annual Meeting; Nov. 9-13, 2019; Atlanta.
Disclosure: Valerio reports no relevant financial disclosures.