Influenza, Pneumococcal, and Herpes Zoster Vaccination in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Patients in Tertiary Care: A Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia

Background/Objectives: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) are chronic conditions characterized by dysregulated immune responses. Immunosuppressive therapies often used in AIRDs further elevate the risk of infections. This study aims to assess the coverage rate and the potential predictors of influenza, pneumococcal, and herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination among patients with AIRD and the perceived barriers among non-vaccinated AIRD patients in King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital rheumatology clinics, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire between March 2024 and August 2024 on all accepted patients diagnosed with AIRDs in King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital Rheumatology Clinics in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire covered the following aspects: socio-demographic data, influenza, pneumococcal, and HZ vaccination history, and patients’ perceived barriers to vaccination. Results: A total of 219 participants, predominantly female (81.3%) and aged over 30 years (89%), were recruited. Results revealed that 58.4% of AIRD patients were vaccinated, with influenza being the most commonly administered vaccine (53.4%), followed by pneumococcal (42.9%) and HZ (24.2%). Vaccination rates were higher among males and those on biological DMARDs (70.7%) and (93.8%), respectively. Key barriers to vaccination among unvaccinated patients included time constraints (62.6%), concerns about vaccine safety (29.7%), not being ordered by a physician (20.9%), and contraindications for a condition (16.5%). Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in influenza, pneumococcal, and HZ vaccination coverage among AIRD patients in Saudi Arabia, with potential socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing vaccine uptake. Increased awareness and targeted interventions are needed to improve adherence to vaccination guidelines in this vulnerable population and to target the reported barriers.