Impact of a Letter Encouraging Pneumococcal Vaccination on the 1-year Vaccination Rate in Heart Failure Patients With a Primary Care Physician

Heart failure affects more than 1.5 million people in France, resulting in over 70,000 deaths and more than 165,000 hospitalizations each year. Viral and bacterial infections are frequently associated with episodes of acute heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Lower respiratory tract infections, such as influenza and pneumococcus, are common causes of hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that pneumococcal vaccination can reduce the risks of heart attack or stroke in patients with heart failure. However, despite vaccination recommendations, coverage rates remain low, especially for pneumococcus. In this study, we will evaluate the impact of an incentive letter for pneumococcal vaccination on one-year hospitalization rate in patients with heart failure.