Influenza vaccination for flu infection in hospitalised patients

Objectives: The objectives of this study are (1) to analyse which group of admitted patients with risk factors is most vaccinated, (2) to find out whether vaccinated patients admitted for flu have fewer complications, and (3) to check whether there are differences in demographic and therapeutic characteristics between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients who have been admitted. Patients and methods: This is a single-centre, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of patients admitted for flu at La Paz University Hospital in the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 seasons, with an analysis of the variables included in the clinical history and mandatory declaration documents. Results: A total of 179 patients were admitted for influenza infection in the two seasons studied, of whom 65 (36.3%) patients were vaccinated. Patients with chronic heart disease were significantly more vaccinated than other risk groups. Furthermore, the average age of vaccinated patients was significantly higher than that of unvaccinated patients. We did not find any other significant differences in the remaining variables when comparing the two groups, nor did we find any less development of complications in the admitted and vaccinated patients. Conclusion: It is important to emphasise vaccination campaigns, increase vaccination coverage, and raise awareness of vaccination among all patients with chronic diseases.