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Disease susceptibility

Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (AIIRD)

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) are vulnerable to infections due to their underlying autoimmune conditions and immunosuppressive treatments. A recent study conducted by researchers at Akdeniz University aimed to evaluate influenza vaccination rates, hesitancy, and awareness among this patient population. The study found that only 34.3% of patients had received at least one influenza vaccination, with 13% being vaccinated annually. Despite recognizing the risk of influenza infection, 59.2% of patients had not received professional information about the vaccine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only 34.3% of patients with AIIRD had received at least one influenza vaccination, while 13% were vaccinated annually.
  • 62.2% of patients recognized that they were at risk for influenza infection due to their current illnesses and medications and believed that they should be vaccinated.
  • 59.2% of patients had not received any professional information about the influenza vaccine.
  • Only 38.2% were aware that vaccination was available free of charge for their condition.
  • Older age, prolonged medication use, extended duration since diagnosis, presence of comorbidities, awareness of influenza risk, and receiving information about vaccination were all significantly associated with having received at least one influenza vaccination.
  • Patients relying on social media, TV, or internet sources demonstrated greater vaccine hesitancy.
  • No statistical relationship was observed between the type of rheumatic disease and vaccination (P= .7803).
  • Health authorities might consider implementing pop-up alerts in clinical systems to prompt physicians to recommend vaccination when prescribing immunosuppressive medications.

Statistics:

  • 34.3% of patients with AIIRD had received at least one influenza vaccination.
  • 13% of patients were vaccinated annually.
  • 62.2% of patients recognized the risk of influenza infection due to their current illnesses and medications.
  • 59.2% of patients had not received professional information about the influenza vaccine.
  • 38.2% of patients were aware that vaccination was available free of charge for their condition.
  • 47.8% of patients relied on social media, TV, or internet sources for vaccine information.

Sources:

  • "Influenza Vaccination Among Patients Undergoing Treatment for Rheumatological Disorders: Awareness, Vaccination Rates, and Influencing Factors". Archives of Rheumatology, 2025;40(2):171-181.
  • Turkish League Against Rheumatism, Talatpasa Bulvari Dumlupinar Cad 40 3 Cebeci Dortyol, Ankara, 06100, Turkiye.
  • NewsRx. New Influenza Vaccines Findings from Akdeniz University Outlined (Influenza Vaccination Among Patients Undergoing Treatment for Rheumatological Disorders: Awareness, Vaccination Rates, and Influencing Factors). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. October 26, 2025; p 612.

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