[How do pediatricians vaccinate in Munich? A health care epidemiological study].
OBJECTIVE
The goal was to determine vaccination rates and predictors of vaccination behaviour of pediatricians in Munich, Germany.


METHODS
Standardised questionnaires were sent to all 133 office-based pediatricians in Munich.


RESULTS
97 questionnaires (73%) were returned completely. Vaccination rates were sufficiently against diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis only. The other vaccinations recommended by the national immunisation advisory board (STIKO) were carried out to an insufficient extent. Vaccination rates of measles, mumps, and rubella were low. Parents' informed consent to STIKO's recommendations was the main determining factor of vaccination rates. Physicians' uncertainty in assessing contra-indications correctly was another important reason for insufficient vaccination rates.


CONCLUSIONS
The health target of eliminating measles will not likely be reached. STIKO's recommendations as well as periodically vocational training courses, should be more compulsory to physicians. Self-responsibility of patients and parents should be raised by financial incentives on sick funds premiums.
Abteilung für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Rupert
R
Schupfner
Beate
B
Reimer
Andreas
A
Markuzzi
Frank
F
von Sonnenburg
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000075202:Contraindications; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*