AB0571 BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF VACCINATION ON REDUCING RISKS OF INFLUENZA INFECTION IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: Jinquan Yu, Dandan Xu
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background</h3> In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases which can be prevented in a certain degree by vaccination, while in fact, influenza vaccination rates of SLE are really low in China. <h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate the influenza vaccination rate of SLE patients and the reasons for nonadherence to vaccination. To evaluate beneficial effects and safety of influenza vaccination. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross section study was performed among patients with SLE regular follow-up in Distinct HealthCare between June 1 and November 31. Vaccination status and influenza infection condition were surveyed. Demographic information, clinical features and laboratory characters were collected and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) was documented. <h3>Results</h3> 109 SLE patients were recruited, including 42 immunized with trivalent or quadrivalent split virion influenza vaccine and 67 non-vaccinated. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics (p&gt;0.05). The influenza vaccination rate was 38.5%. Influenza infection rates in the vaccinated and non-vaccinated were 7.1% (3/42) and 23.9% (16/67), respectively, with statistic difference (p&lt;0.05). Reasons that non-vaccinated patients reported for nonadherence included refused by the community health workers due to basic disease of SLE (32.3%), vaccine shortages (27.7%), concerns for potential side effects (23.1%) and insufficient patient education (16.9%). No systemic adverse reactions were observed and no significant increase of disease activity was found in vaccinated patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> 1. Split virion influenza vaccine is effective in reducing risks of influenza infection in patients with SLE, and also safe. 2. Influenza vaccination is insufficient in SLE patients. 3. Education of the community health workers and patients is important to increase influenza vaccination rate. <h3>References</h3> [1] Belongia EA, Skowronski DM, McLean HQ, et al. Repeated annual influenza vaccination and vaccine effectiveness: review of evidence. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2017 Jul;16(7):1-14. [2] Baillet A, Gossec L, Carmona L, et al. Points to consider for reporting, screening for and preventing selected comorbidities in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases in daily practice: a EULAR initiative. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Jun;75(6):965-73. [3] Chang CC, Chang YS, Chen WS, et al. Effects of annual influenza vaccination on morbidity and mortality in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Sci Rep. 2016 Dec 2;6:37817. [4] Lawson EF, Trupin L, Yelin EH, et al. Reasons for failure to receive pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations among immunosuppressed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2015 Jun;44(6):666-71. [5] Murdaca G, Orsi A, Spanò F, et al. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: current views upon safety and immunogenicity. Autoimmun Rev. 2014 Feb;13(2):75-84. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None declared