Optimising Vaccination Status in a Belgian Dermatological Immune‐Mediated Inflammatory Disease Population: An Education‐Based Pro‐Active Patient‐Centred Approach

ABSTRACT Background Patients with dermatological immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are increasingly treated with immunosuppressive and ‐modulating drugs. Some of these drugs increase the risk of acquiring infections and more complications can arise during an infection while treated with these agents. Accurate vaccination can prevent these infections and associated complications. Objectives To map the vaccination status of dermatological IMID patients receiving immunosuppressive systemic treatment and evaluate the impact of targeted educational interventions on improving it. We also addressed the awareness on the subject among healthcare providers (HCPs). Methods In this monocentric prospective study, we mapped the influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B and COVID‐19 vaccination status of patients with dermatological IMIDs receiving immunosuppressive treatment (baseline) via the national vaccination register (Vaccinnet). We educated patients and HCPs (general practitioners and pharmacists) on the importance and need of vaccination. Two years later their vaccination status was reassessed (follow‐up). Results From March 2022 until December 2022, we identified 314 patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs for dermatological IMIDs at UZ Leuven. At baseline, vaccination rates were 56.1% for influenza, 50.2% for pneumococcal disease, and 46.0% for hepatitis B. Older individuals (≥ 40 years old) had significantly higher vaccination rates for influenza ( p = 0.002), pneumococcal ( p = 0.002), and COVID‐19 vaccines ( p = 0.004), but lower rates for hepatitis B vaccination ( p < 0.001) compared to younger patients. At follow‐up, influenza vaccination rates remained stable (57.0%, p = 0.579), while pneumococcal, hepatitis B and COVID‐19 vaccination rates significantly increased to 60.6% ( p < 0.001), 50.0% ( p = 0.002), and 80% ( p < 0.001), respectively. Notably, a subset of 55 patients initially registered as vaccinated for influenza at baseline were later categorised as unvaccinated, largely due to missing registrations in Vaccinnet. Conclusions Thorough education of patients with dermatological IMIDs and HCPs can result in an additional increase of vaccination rates in times of vaccination fatigue. Meticulous registration of administered vaccinations by HCPs is imperative.