Abstract
BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis patients face an elevated risk of infectious diseases due to immunosuppression and frequent exposure to healthcare settings. Vaccination is a critical preventive strategy for this population; however, coverage remains inconsistent across different vaccines. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vaccine coverage and perceptions among patients undergoing haemodialysis in Greece and identify factors influencing uptake. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study employing a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 201 adult patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis at selected dialysis centres in Greece. MEASUREMENTS: Data collected included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and self-reported vaccination status for influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines. Attitudes toward vaccination were assessed using Likert scale items. Statistical analyses involved linear regression, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation tests. RESULTS: Vaccination rates were highest for influenza (88.6%) and pneumococcal vaccines (85.1%), while coverage for meningococcal B (25.4%) and Hib (16.9%) was low. Key barriers to vaccination included a perceived low risk of infection, lack of physician recommendations, and inadequate awareness. Age and higher educational attainment were significantly associated with greater vaccine uptake (p < 0.05). A weak but statistically significant correlation (r = .163-0.341) was observed between positive perceptions of vaccines and actual vaccination behaviour. CONCLUSION: Although the uptake of some vaccines was high, the coverage of others remained suboptimal. Addressing knowledge gaps and increasing physician-driven recommendations may improve vaccine acceptance among the haemodialysis population.