Unit:
ΠΜΣ Διεθνής Ιατρική - Διαχείριση Κρίσεων ΥγείαςLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Kallikourdis Antonios
Supervisors info:
Κοντός Μιχαήλ, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Καραβοκυρός Ιωάννης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Γεωργόπουλος Σωτήριος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Εμβολιαστική κάλυψη οροθετικών ασθενών: η επίδραση της πολιτικής καθολικής κάλυψης υγείας
Translated title:
Vaccination coverage of seropositive patients: the influence of universal coverage health policies
Summary:
BACKGROUND: Research findings suggest the importance of adult immunization, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS. Condition-specific immunization recommendations have been issued recently and vaccination coverage is an indicator of their application.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in “Evangelismos” hospital (one of the biggest HIV clinics in Athens). Vaccination coverage with the anti-pneumococcal vaccine was calculated in HIV (+) patients during two time periods. The influence of social background and of legislation modifications to vaccination uptake were measured.
RESULTS: Vaccination coverage was 60.8%. Migrants, people who inject drugs and women had a statistically significant abstinence from getting vaccinated and were positively influenced by free access.
DISCUSSION: HIV is associated with poverty and vaccination uptake depends on the patients’ socioeconomic background. Measures should be taken to tackle this phenomenon amidst the financial crisis. Laws enabling free access seem to increase vaccination coverage for the most vulnerable within the HIV (+) population.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
HIV/AIDS, Anti-pneumococcal vaccine, Vaccination coverage, Social determinants