Vaccination practices and knowledge among adults with hemoglobinopathies in Greece: a nationwide survey.

Delicou, Sophia; Manganas, Konstantinos; Xydaki, Aikaterini; Evliati, Loukia; Myrilla, Ioanna; Rubatis, Leonidas; Kostaridou, Stavroula

Background: Hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, are genetic disorders that affect hemoglobin structure or production, leading to various health complications, including an increased risk of infections. Vaccinations play a crucial role in managing these conditions by providing essential protection against preventable diseases. Ensuring timely and appropriate immunizations is vital for reducing infection-related morbidity and improving the overall health and quality of life for affected individuals. Objectives: Our objective was to assess vaccination coverage, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward vaccination in Greek patients with hemoglobinopathies. Design and methods: A nationwide survey of hemoglobinopathy patients in Greece using a 37-item questionnaire was conducted anonymously via Google Forms. It covered demographics, previous vaccinations, vaccine-preventable infections, beliefs about vaccines, and antibiotic prophylaxis post-splenectomy. The survey was distributed through Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Units and organizations. Results: Participants were predominantly university-educated married women aged 30–50 years with transfusion-depended thalassemia (n = 149, 60.5%) or sickle cell anemia (n = 52, 21.1%). Reported childhood vaccination rates aligned with Greece's national immunization program. However, adult coverage was suboptimal across all age groups for measles (10%), varicella (27%), zoster (2% for over 50 years old individuals), hepatitis A (13.9% of those with chronic liver disease) and hepatitis B (41%), pneumococcal (81.3%), meningococcal (37%), tetanus (20.3%), and influenza (67.1%) vaccines compared to guidelines. Participants relied predominantly on healthcare providers for vaccine information but perceived limited engagement. Those over age 50 demonstrated lower adult vaccination rates and higher misconceptions compared to younger cohorts. Conclusion: Addressing educational and access gaps could help protect this vulnerable population. Our findings highlight the need for coordinated efforts to optimize adult immunization for those with hemoglobinopathies. Plain language summary: Vaccination Habits of Greek Adults with Hemoglobin Disorders We surveyed 246 adults in Greece with hemoglobin disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Most were educated women aged 30–50. When it came to childhood vaccinations, they followed Greece's guidelines. But as adults, they weren't getting vaccinated enough. For instance, only a small percentage got vaccines for measles, varicella, hepatitis A and B, among others. They mostly relied on doctors for vaccine info but felt they weren't getting enough guidance. Older adults were less likely to get vaccinated and had more misconceptions. To help, we need better education and easier access to vaccines.

GREECE; IMMUNIZATION; HEALTH literacy; WORLD Wide Web; VACCINATION; QUESTIONNAIRES; MMR vaccines; HEMOGLOBINOPATHY; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; CHI-squared test; VACCINATION coverage; ATTITUDE (Psychology); SURVEYS; DPT vaccines; DATA analysis software; COMPARATIVE studies; ANTIBIOTIC prophylaxis

Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines & Immunotherapy, 2024, Vol 12, p1

2515-1355

Academic Journal

10.1177/25151355241278869