title: Influenza vaccine delivery delays from the perspective of primary care physicians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effects of delayed influenza vaccine delivery on primary practices are currently unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe, among primary care physicians nationally regarding the 2006-2007 influenza season: (1) how physicians defined influenza vaccine delay; (2) the extent of reported vaccine delays; and (3) the perceived effects of vaccine delays.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between March and June 2007, a total of 1268 primary care physicians nationally were surveyed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Survey response was 74% (n=940). The majority of physicians (79%) defined "influenza vaccine delay" as not receiving vaccine by November 1. Fifty-three percent reported a vaccine delay. Providers reported the following as effects of delays: reduced satisfaction of patients or parents in the practice (72%); decreased percentage in their practice who received the vaccination (65%); disruption of scheduling influenza clinics (55%); increased referral of patients elsewhere for vaccination (55%); and negative financial impact caused by unused vaccine (46%). Those who reported experiencing delays more often reported not meeting demand for vaccine (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]=1.83, 95% CI=1.64, 2.07); that grocery stores, retail outlets, or pharmacies had vaccine before their practices did (ARR=1.82, 95% CI=1.53, 2.26); not receiving all vaccine that was ordered (ARR=1.19, 95% CI=1.06, 1.36); and having leftover vaccine (ARR=1.17, 95% CI=1.04, 1.32).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During the 2006-2007 influenza season, a non-shortage season, the majority of respondents reported experiencing an influenza vaccine delivery delay. Experiencing a delay was thought to decrease vaccination use, increase referrals elsewhere, and have a negative financial impact on practices. Delayed delivery of influenza vaccine is disruptive for primary care practices, and it consequently may affect vaccination coverage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, 12477 E 19th Avenue, Aurora CO 80045, USA. o'leary.sean@tchden.org
authors.forename: Sean T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: Jennifer C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Barrow
authors.forename: Lon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McQuillan
authors.forename: Matthew F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Daley
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: Brenda L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Beaty
authors.forename: Christine I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Babbel
authors.forename: L Miriam
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Dickinson
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kempe
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000379:methods*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines