Reasons physicians accepted or declined smallpox vaccine, February through April, 2003.
From February to April 2003, we performed an e-mail-based survey to assess responses of physicians at Yale University to being offered smallpox vaccine. Of 58 respondents, 3 (5%) had been or intended to be vaccinated. Reasons cited for declining vaccination included: belief that benefits did not outweigh risks (55%), belief that the vaccination program was unnecessary (18%), desire to wait and see what side effects occurred in vaccinees (11%), and worries about compensation or liability (7%). Most (94%) considered risks to themselves, family, or patients in their decision. Only 3% thought a smallpox attack in the next 5 years was likely or very likely. Physicians did not accept the smallpox vaccine because they did not believe the potential benefits were sufficient.
Benin
Andrea L
AL
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. andrea.benin@yale.edu
Dembry
Louise
L
Shapiro
Eugene D
ED
Holmboe
Eric S
ES
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D045808:Refusal to Participate / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012306:Risk; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D012900:Smallpox Vaccine