Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on recommended vaccine uptake in a single-practice primary care COPD cohort in the UK

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Immunisation against vaccine-preventable disease is a critical aspect of COPD care. UK recommendations are annual influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccine (as a single-dose) and shingles vaccine if aged >=70 years. Aims and objectives: This retrospective study aimed to determine/characterise influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccination status in a single-practice primary care COPD cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARSCoV-2 aspects were also evaluated. Method(s) All registered patients with COPD were identified via ICD-10 codes. Extracted data included COPD parameters and comorbidities. Vaccine-specific details were identified using SNOMED codes. Result(s) Records identified 378 patients with COPD;mean age 71 years (range 29-98). Mean % predicted FEV1 was 66.7%;49.2% reported a score of >=3 on the MRC Breathlessness Scale. Pneumococcal vaccination was reported for 83.1%. Shingles vaccine uptake in eligible patients was 64.3%. Influenza vaccine uptake (for 2021/22) was 87.8% (89.3% in those >=65 years)- higher than in prior influenza seasons;2018/19 (77.7%),2019/20 (77.1%) and 2020/21 (83.1%)-indicating a relative increase during the pandemic;6% in 20/21 and 12.7% in 21/22 versus 18/19 and 19/20 respectively. COPD severity, comorbidities and gender did not influence vaccine uptake. SARSCov-2 vaccine uptake for dose 1 and 2 was 97.4% and 93.4% for a booster dose. From January-December 2021, 22 patients (5.6%;range 52-98 years) had confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection (all of whom were immunized). Conclusion(s) Uptake of recommended vaccines in COPD patients was high;seasonal influenza vaccine uptake showed a trend increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.