Implementation of vaccination in patients with cirrhosis

Vaccination for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcus, and influenza in patients with chronic liver disease is recommended. Our purpose was to determine the degree of adherence to these recommendations in cirrhotics presenting for liver transplantation evaluation. Our sample consisted of 105 patients presenting for evaluation for liver transplantation. Data were obtained by medical record review and patient interview. The age of the patients was 52 +/- 9 years (mean +/- SD) and the Child-Pugh score was 9 +/- 2. Twenty-nine patients had natural immunity for hepatitis A. Of the remaining 76, 20 (26.3%) received vaccine. Of the 89 patients without evidence of prior exposure to hepatitis B, 23 (25.8%) received vaccine. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination was performed in 36 (34%) and 58 (55%) respectively. In conclusion, vaccination for viral hepatitis, pneumococcus, and influenza not being consistently performed. Public health efforts aimed at raising awareness about implementing vaccination in these patients are strongly encouraged.