Misconceptions, Concerns About Influenza Vaccination Pose Risks To Improving Immunization Rates Among Immunosuppressed Pediatric Rheumatology Patients, Study Shows

Rheumatology Advisor (2/26, Saha) reports study results indicate that “misconceptions and concerns about influenza vaccination pose significant barriers to improving immunization rates among immunosuppressed pediatric rheumatology patients.” The majority of survey respondents “reported that their rheumatologist recommended the influenza vaccine, with 82.7% later reporting vaccination.” Nevertheless, researchers discovered that “common vaccination barriers included fears of triggering a disease flare (25.6%), concerns that the vaccine could cause influenza (25.6%), and doubts about vaccine efficacy (20.5%). Parental education emerged as a critical factor, with higher education levels significantly associated with greater vaccination rates.” The study was published in Pediatric Rheumatology.