Population learning: vaccination against respiratory infections in the McGill sites of the Cohort in Primary Care (COPRI)

Context: Respiratory infections are a prevalent health issue that concerns patients and stresses healthcare resources. Vaccines can prevent several respiratory infections, but the uptake is variable. To improve preventive first line healthcare, we need to understand the uptake and perspective of patients on vaccines.

Objectives: 1) Measure the uptake of publicly-funded vaccines against respiratory infections; 2) Understand the hesitancy towards these vaccines in a population of adults followed in Family Medicine Groups (FMGs).

Study design and analysis: The Cohort in Primary Care (COPRI) is a prospective study recruiting adults followed in FMGs across Québec. The cohort is meant to be used to support a learning health system, with patient-partners and clinician engagement to improve primary care. In the early phase of the provincial COPRI development, the McGill COPRI team secured funding to investigate vaccines against respiratory infections. Analyses are descriptive with interquartile range (IQR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Population studied: COPRI is recruiting adults followed at 7 participating McGill FMGs in Montreal (4), Chateauguay, Val d'Or and Gatineau. Recruitment continues but will close before NAPCRG, final results will be presented.

Outcome measures: Participant data was collected from online questionnaires that could be self-administered or completed with research staff.

Results: 166 participants were recruited from 6 sites as of April 16 2024, with a median age of 56 (IQR 39-70) years, 31.9% were ?65. 70.5% self-identified as cis-women and 29.5% as cis-men, 70.5% as white, 5.4% as black, 1.8% as Indigenous. The vast majority previously received a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (98.8%, 95% CI: 95.2-99.7, median of 4 doses) and influenza (72.3%, 95%CI: 64.9-78.6). Also, 25.9% (95%CI:19.8-33.2) received Prevnar and 23.5% (95%CI 17.6-30.7) received Pneumovax against pneumococcus, and 40.4% (95%CI 33.1-48.1) were vaccinated against Bordetella pertussis. 63.3% (95%CI 55.6-70.3) of the vaccinated said they were likely to get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine if recommended. For the 49 (29.5%, 95%CI 23.0-37.0) reporting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, 53.1% said that their family doctor or clinic discussing their hesitations could help them gain trust in vaccines.

Conclusions: Among McGill COPRI participants, vaccination rates were good despite some hesitancy, which could be improved through discussions with their primary healthcare providers.