A survey of pediatricians' attitudes regarding influenza immunization in children.
BACKGROUND
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advocates that influenza immunization is the most effective method for prevention of illness due to influenza. Recommendations for vaccination of children against influenza have been revised several times since 2002, and as of 2008 include all children 6 months to 18 years of age. Nevertheless, influenza immunization rates have remained low.


METHODS
We surveyed practicing pediatricians in Maryland in the spring of 2007 to determine their attitudes and practices toward childhood influenza immunization.


RESULTS
The overall response to the survey was 21%. A total of 61% of respondents reported that immunization either is cost neutral or produces a loss, and 36.6% noted it was minimally profitable. Eighty-six percent of respondents were receptive to supporting school-based immunization programs, and 61% indicated that they would participate in such programs. Respondents reported higher rates of immunization of select patient groups than those noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccination was reported to occur at multiple types of patient encounters, as recommended. Survey respondents stated that practice-based immunization was not a profitable service. Pediatricians were supportive of school-based immunization programs, and more than half stated they would be actively involved in such programs. School-based programs may be critical to achieving high vaccination coverage in the school-aged population.
Levy
Daniel J
DJ
Child & Teen Wellness Center, Owings Mills, MD, USA. levydj@aol.com
Ambrose
Christopher S
CS
Oleka
Napoleon
N
Lewin
Edward B
EB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce
D007252:Influenza Vaccines