Low influenza vaccination coverage in subjects with liver cirrhosis. An alert waiting winter season 2020-2021 during COVID-19 pandemic.

Stroffolini, Tommaso; Lombardi, Anna; Ciancio, Alessia; Niro, Grazia Anna; Colloredo, Guido; Marignani, Massimo; Vinci, Maria; Morisco, Filomena; Babudieri, Sergio; Ferrigno, Luigina; Sagnelli, Evangelista

We have evaluated flu-vaccine-coverage and variables associated with lack of vaccination in cirrhotic subjects with particular attention to the cirrhosis etiology. Cirrhotic subjects consecutively referring to 8 Italian centers were prospectively enrolled for a six-months- period in 2019. Subjects were asked if they had received flu vaccine in the last 12 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of lack of vaccination. A total of 818 cases were recruited. Overall vaccine coverage was 39.6% (26.9% in those younger than 65y and 51.9% in those older than 64y; p<0.001). Age<65 y (OR: 2.38; CI 95%: 1.68-3.36), alcoholic etiology (OR: 2.40; CI 95%: 1.49-3.85), birth abroad (OR: 2.7; CI 95%: 1.10-6.61), and residence in South/Sardinia island (OR 1.66; CI 95%: 1.14-2.42) all resulted independent predictors of the likelihood of lack of vaccination. Lack of information regarding the vaccine as reason of no vaccination was reported by 71.4% of foreigners and by 34.7% of natives (p< 0.001). In conclusion much work still should be done for improve coverage among groups at higher risk of lack of vaccination identified in this survey. The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may represent one more alert for improving seasonal flu-vaccine-coverage in order to avoid further stress to National Health System. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.