Authors (including presenting author) :
APN CK Lam(1), ANC MW Choi(1), ANC PF Chan(1), WM PL Ng(1),
DOM WY Tsang(1), Dr CL Lee (1), AC Dr SN Tsui (1), (1) AC Dr SE Chan (1), AC SL Cheng (1), Consultant Dr PS Cheung (1), NC SW Ng (1)
Introduction :
In 2025, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) emphasizes the importance of annual seasonal flu vaccination for COPD patients due to their heightened risk of severe flu complications, such as respiratory failure and hospitalization. To align with the Government Vaccination Program (GVP), a strategy has been devised to promote early yearly flu vaccination for COPD patients under the care of the COPD Nurse clinic.
Objectives :
1. To establish a system in COPD nurse clinic to encourage and enhance early yearly seasonal influenza vaccination.
2. To review the effectiveness of system of motivation in early yearly seasonal influenza vaccination.
Methodology :
Assessment
All patients diagnosed with COPD who attended COPD nurse clinic for the first time from 1/5/2023 to 31/3/2024 are granted free seasonal influenza according to the period and protocol of government vaccination program 2023/2024.
Planning & Implementation
Patients visiting the clinic are educated about the benefits and risks of flu vaccination, eligibility criteria, necessary steps, and available vaccination venues. The significance of annual flu vaccination in COPD self-care is stressed. During the phone follow-up, patients were encouraged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination early and were also reminded of the steps and venues for vaccination. The patients who attended the nurse clinic on or after 5/10/2023 were entitled and encouraged to receive vaccination in the treatment room on the same day as their attendance.
Evaluation
In April 2024, vaccination rates and time intervals from the 2023/2024 GVP launch to vaccination dates are assessed. Data from 2022/2023 vaccination status are compared (Figure 1 & 2), and patient feedback on vaccination status was gathered to identify areas for enhancement.
Result & Outcome :
In the study, 175 COPD patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 76.29 ± 8.544 years. Among them, 94.3% were male. 21.1% were classified in COPD group A, 25.7% in group B, and 53.1% in group E. The average CAT score of these patients was 9.49/40 ± 6.18.
Among 175 recruited COPD patients, the vaccination rate of individuals aged 50 to 64 rose from 45% to 65%, significantly surpassing the community rate for that age group (19.2%). Similarly, the vaccination rate of the group aged 65 and above climbed from 66.5% to 78.7%, also notably higher than the community rate for that age bracket (51.5%). The average time from the launch of GVP to vaccination date decreased by 27.08%, from 48 to 35 days (P<0.015) after joining COPD nurse clinic.
Conclusion
The vaccination program could significantly increase the rate of vaccination and enhance early vaccination. Patients with COPD were more motivated to receive vaccination earlier after attending IMSN COPD clinic.
