Examination of dialysis patients' intentions to receivepneumococcal vaccination

In this study, it is aimed to determine the level of knowledge about pneumococcal disease and its vaccine among hemodialysis patients, and to identify the impact of pharmacist-led educational interventions on the attitudes of these patients towards pneumococcal disease and its vaccine, as well as the vaccination rates after the education. Additionally, factors affecting the pneumococcal vaccination behavior in patients were attempted to be identified. The study was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 at the dialysis center of a state hospital. Participants were surveyed about pneumococcal disease and its vaccine, and afterwards, a pharmacist distributed an educational brochure on pneumococcal disease and its vaccine to provide training. Three months after the training, the patients' attitudes towards the pneumococcal vaccine and their vaccination status were evaluated, and the barriers affecting vaccination were identified. The study found a significant lack of knowledge and awareness regarding pneumococcal disease and its vaccine among hemodialysis patients. The pharmacist-led educational intervention improved the participants' awareness and attitudes towards the disease and its vaccine (p<0.001), resulting in an increase in the pneumococcal vaccination rate (n=44; 29.3%). The biggest barrier to vaccination was found to be 'concern about side effects' (84; 79.2%). When comparing the demographic data of patients who were vaccinated and those who were not after the education, there was no statistically significant difference in age (p=0.639), gender (p=0.355), and monthly household income (p=0.111), while a statistically significant difference was observed in the education levels of the patients (p=0.015). viii Involving pharmacists in vaccination practice will increase vaccination rates among hemodialysis patients. Additionally, more targeted and effective public health strategies should be developed to prevent misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. This approach will correct the incomplete vaccination rates, protect the health of at-risk individuals, and provide a significant public health benefit. Keywords:Hemodialysis patients, Pneumococcal vaccine, Clinical pharmacy, Educational interventions, İmmunization