EFFECTIVENESS OF ADULT VACCINATION PROGRAMS IN REDUCING INFECTION BURDEN AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Adults with diabetes mellitus are more prone to infections and their complications and so vaccination is of great importance in preventing complications. A cross-sectional, survey-weighted study was performed of adults aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with diabetes by their physician. Vaccination status against COVID-19 and influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus and shingles were measured. Outcomes were self-reported COVID-19 diagnosis, severe COVID 19, Long COVID, current post-COVID symptoms and general health status. Using weighted descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression, adjusted associations were estimated with demographic, behavioural, healthcare-access and clinical factors. Vaccination uptake for COVID-19 was high, but uptake for other recommended adult vaccines was not. Vaccinated adults reported less COVID-19 infection than unvaccinated adults, and their adjusted odds of COVID-19 infection were significantly lower. The adjusted associations between vaccination status and post-infection outcomes were not statistically significant, but the prevalence of severe symptoms, Long COVID and fair or poor general health were all lower among those vaccinated. The results are evidence for the uptake of an integrated health service provisioning of vaccination assessment, counselling and delivery within diabetes care. A limitation with the cross-sectional design and self-reported measures, however, is that they do not allow for causal interpretation. Longitudinal studies with accurate vaccination and clinical outcome records are necessary to establish effectiveness.