Pneumococcal vaccination among patients with cochlear implants is highly variable and lower than anticipated given the recommendations regarding such vaccination in this population, according to results published in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. David R. White, MD, and colleagues reviewed pneumococcal vaccination rates among 12,973 children and adults with cochlear implants. Baseline PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccination rates were 53.45% (95% CI, 37.02% to 69.51%) and 42.53% (95% CI, 31.94% to 53.48%), respectively. The PPSV23 vaccination rate following the implementation of a quality improvement intervention was significantly increased compared with the baseline rate, at 83.52% (95% CI, 57.36% to 98.46%). Following the interventions, patients had greater odds of receiving the PPSV23 vaccine (P<0.001). “Further intervention programs with stricter surveillance, monitoring, and follow-up systems are needed to achieve improved compliance with the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccination in [cochlear implant] recipients,” Dr. White and colleagues wrote.
