ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to study the vaccination coverage against influenza and pneumococcus in patients admitted to a pulmonary care department. METHODS: Between September 2010 and August 2011, we conducted a prospective observational study of patients admitted to our institution. A history of vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus was sought systematically using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 476 patients admitted to the pulmonary service at our institution, 246 had COPD, 175 had undergone thoracic surgery and 55 had a chronic respiratory disease other than COPD. The average age of our patients was 67 years (60-76) and the sex-ratio was 1.6 (291M and 185 F). Amongst the target population for influenza vaccination, coverage was 73%. The main reason for patients not to have been vaccinated against influenza was patient refusal or intolerance (59%). Amongst the target population for antipneumococcal vaccination, the coverage was 53%. The main reason for the lack of vaccination against pneumococcus was that no offer of vaccination had been made by a physician (92.5%). CONCLUSION: Vaccination coverage was low, in particular for pneumococcus. Pulmonary departments are strategic sites which could take action to systematically improve vaccination coverage.