title: Perspectives of Pulmonologists on the 2009-2010 H1N1 Vaccination Effort.
abstract: Persons with high-risk conditions such as asthma were a target group for H1N1 vaccine recommendations. We conducted a mailed survey of a national sample of pulmonologists to understand their participation in the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccine campaign. The response rate was 59%. The majority of pulmonologists strongly recommended H1N1 vaccine for children (73%) and adults aged 25-64 years (51%). Only 60% of respondents administered H1N1 vaccine in their practice compared to 87% who offered seasonal influenza vaccine. Other than vaccine supply, respondents who provided H1N1 vaccine reported few logistical problems. Two-thirds of respondents would be very likely to vaccinate during a future influenza pandemic; this rate was higher among those who provided H1N1 vaccine and/or seasonal flu vaccine. In total, the H1N1 vaccine-related experiences of pulmonologists seemed to be positive. However, additional efforts are needed to increase participation in future pandemic vaccination campaigns.
authors.affiliation: Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, University of Michigan, 300 N Ingalls, Room 6E06, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5456, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: Pascale M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Wortley