Abstract:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by the production of abnormal haemoglobin, known as haemoglobin S, leading to the distortion of red blood cells into a crescent shape. This disease significantly impairs the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and results in recurrent vaso-occlusion, hemolytic anaemia, and organ damage. SCD patients are particularly vulnerable to infections due to complications such as functional asplenia, which weakens the immune system and heightens the risk of severe. Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing infections in SCD patients, with recommended vaccines including those for pneumococcal, influenza, and meningococcal diseases. However, adherence to vaccination schedules remains a challenge, which can impact the health outcomes of these patients. This study investigated the incidence of influenza and pneumococcal infections among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients under 12 years old at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda, assessing the effectiveness of current vaccination programs and identifying barriers to vaccine uptake. The study included 354 SCD patients, with 50% vaccinated and 50% non-vaccinated. Results indicate that vaccinated patients had a higher incidence of influenza (87.9%) compared to non-vaccinated patients (69.2%). However, hospitalization rates were higher among vaccinated patients, with 67.8% hospitalized for influenza. Pneumococcal infections were less frequent but still more common in vaccinated patients (11.3%) compared to non-vaccinated (5.1%). Despite this, vaccinated patients had significantly fewer hospital admissions and infections post-vaccination. Barriers to vaccine uptake were primarily due to knowledge gaps (89.3%), with fewer patients reporting issues like missed appointments or parental refusal.

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