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Our objective was to know the COVID-19 vaccination coverage in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and its factors associated. A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Patients seen at the MS unit of the University Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza between 2017 and 2021 were included. Variables were obtained by reviewing the specialized and primary care records. Associations between receiving COVID-19 full primo-vaccination, as well as one booster dose since autumn 2022, and the other variables were analyzed using bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression models. Of the 359 included patients, 90.3% received the COVID-19 full primo-vaccination. Having been born in Spain (aOR = 3.40) and having received the 2020–2021 influenza vaccine (aOR = 6.77) were associated with receiving the COVID-19 full primo-vaccination. Vaccination with a COVID-19 booster dose was detected in 141 patients (39.3%). Sex (man) (aOR = 2.36), age (60 years or over) (aOR = 6.82), type of MS (Primary Progressive/Secondary Progressive) (aOR = 3.94), and having received the 2022–2023 influenza vaccine (aOR = 27.54) were associated with receiving such a booster dose. The COVID-19 booster dose was administered at the same time as the 2022–2023 influenza vaccine in 57.8% (67/116) of the patients vaccinated with both vaccines. The COVID-19 full primo-vaccination coverage is higher than in other countries. However, the decrease in vaccination coverage with the booster dose makes it necessary to develop strategies to improve it that are not limited to administering the flu vaccine together with the COVID-19 booster dose. Such strategies should be in focus, especially for women under 60 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses may have severe complications for vulnerable populations. For this reason, the World Health Organization pointed to the 2020–2021 anti-influenza campaign as being of special relevance. Our aim was to assess the 2020–2021 influenza vaccination coverage, and its associated factors, among patients in a Spanish multiple sclerosis (MS) unit. A cross–sectional study was conducted. People attending the MS unit of the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza during 2020 were included. Variables were obtained by reviewing records. Associations with 2020–2021 influenza vaccination were analyzed using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. A total of 302 patients were studied; 62.6% were women, whose mean age (standard deviation) was 47.3 (11.5) years. The 2020–2021 influenza vaccination coverage was 55.3% (59.8% in women and 47.8% in men). A total of 89.7% had at least one other indication for vaccination (e.g., immunosuppressive treatment in 225 patients). The variables associated with getting vaccinated were being female (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (aOR (95%CI) = 2.12 (1.12–3.99)), having received the 2019–2020 influenza vaccine (aOR (95%CI) = 31.82 (14.71–68.86)) and being born in Spain (aOR (95%CI) = 12.91 (1.07–156.28)). Coverage is moderate compared to other countries. It is necessary to develop strategies to improve it, especially in men and those born outside Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to determine the influenza vaccination rate in a Spanish cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Patients who attended the MS unit of the Lozano Blesa Hospital of Zaragoza between January 2015 and 2020 were included. The variables were obtained by reviewing the specialized and primary care records. Associations between receiving the vaccine in each flu season and the other variables were analyzed using bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression models. A total of 260 patients were studied, with a median age of 31 years at the time of diagnosis. A total of 62.3% (162/260) were women. Vaccination coverage ranged from 20.4% in the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 seasons to 41.5% in the 2019–2020 season (p = 0.000). Having been vaccinated in the previous season (ORa: 16.47–390.22; p = 0.000) and receiving a vaccination recommendation from the hospital vaccination unit (ORa: 2.44–3.96; p < 0.009) were associated with being vaccinated. The coverage is in an intermediate position compared to other countries. It is necessary to improve the referral system of these patients to the hospital vaccination unit because the information obtained by this service contributed to higher vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]