ABSTRACT
Background: All Hospital Trusts in England are expected to offer influenza vaccination to eligible inpatients during Winter 2020-21. There is currently no data on which to model need and uptake of this approach by clinicians and patients. (Figure presented) In 2018 addressing vaccination status was added to the COPD 'Bundle' used in our hospital, electronic influenza vaccine prescription was introduced following NICE guidance recommending offering vaccination to eligible inpatients and checking vaccination status and offering to appropriate patients was included in respiratory ward reviews. Aim: To evaluate the uptake and characteristics of inpatients offered and accepting influenza vaccination over Winter 2018-19 and 2019-20 in one Acute Trust. Methods: Data on inpatient influenza vaccine prescriptions between October-March 2018-19 and 2019-20 was obtained from our electronic prescribing system. Electronic records of each admission were reviewed and analysed for patient demographics, reason for admission, indication for vaccination, ward and mortality at June 2020. Results: See table 1 for results. 159 inpatient vaccinations were administered over 2 years. Mean (range) age was 62 (18-94) years and mortality at 1+ year was 28%. 114 (72%) were on our 23-bed respiratory ward. By year 2, 32% (28/88) vaccines were administered on other wards. 2/3 vaccines were for patients with COPD or asthma. Discussion: Our data suggests that offering influenza vaccination to inpatients is a feasible and sustainable intervention for which there is patient demand. Approximately 2 vaccinations/week were administered on a 23-bed respiratory ward. Inpatients were also vaccinated on other wards;with >60% increase on elderly-care wards in year 2. This was largely due to prescribing by trainees who had completed a respiratory rotation and continued to offer vaccination in subsequent roles. The high snap-shot mortality at June 2020 (28% 1 year+) is a reminder of the high risk of death for inpatients eligible for influenza vaccination. Our findings suggest that clinicians want to offer vaccination and that there are groups of unvaccinated inpatients who take up the offer of influenza vaccination. In the era of COVID-19, it is particularly important this population is vaccinated. Face-to-face contact during admission is an opportunity we should be using to do this.