RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. Annual vaccination is the most effective means to prevent or attenuate this illness. The vaccine is recommended for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) older than 6 months, but the degree of adherence with this recommendation is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) the vaccination coverage level for the 1997-1998 influenza season in a population of CF patients, and 2) the factors associated with nonadherence with vaccination. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review, a mailed survey, and telephone interviews. SETTING: Intermountain CF Center. This center, accredited by the CF Foundation, delivers health care to affected individuals throughout the Intermountain West. Care of children and adults is based at Primary Children's Medical Center and the University of Utah Hospital, respectively. The adjacent hospitals are comprehensive, tertiary care medical centers on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Approximately one third of the center's patient population lives in southern Idaho. There are 2 affiliate centers in Idaho, one based in Pocatello/Idaho Falls and the other in Boise. PATIENTS: All patients over 6 months of age on the center's roster. RESULTS: We found documentation of influenza vaccination status in the medical records of 99 patients; 98 who received the vaccine and 1 who did not because of an allergy to egg products. Through the mailed surveys and telephone interviews, we collected data on 236 additional patients. Thus, we report data on 335 (92.5%) of 362 patients on the center's roster. A total of 256 (76.4%) of 335 patients received the influenza vaccine before the 1997-1998 flu season, including 181 (79.4%) of 228 children (<18 years of age) and 75 (70.1%) of 107 adult patients (