Perspectives of allergists/immunologists on the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccination effort.
BACKGROUND
Persons with high-risk conditions such as asthma were a target group for national H1N1 vaccine recommendations. Allergists/immunologists (allergists) are a provider group that could vaccinate persons with asthma and other high-risk conditions. Their level of participation in and experiences with the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccination campaign are unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the experiences of allergists related to the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccination campaign.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, mailed survey of a national sample of 1955 allergists providing outpatient care was conducted in June-September 2010.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 72%. Most allergists "strongly recommended" H1N1 vaccine for children, and most "recommended" or "strongly recommended" vaccine for adults. The majority (71%) agreed to participate in the H1N1 vaccine campaign and received vaccine. Vaccine supply was a significant challenge, but otherwise few major problems were experienced with administering H1N1 vaccine. The majority of respondents, particularly among those who participated in the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccination campaign, felt they would be very likely to vaccinate in the event of future influenza pandemic.


CONCLUSIONS
The experiences of allergists in the H1N1 vaccine campaign were generally positive. Most allergists are willing to serve as vaccinators in future influenza pandemics, which will help facilitate broad access to vaccine for patients with asthma and other high-risk conditions.
Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5456, USA. aclark@umich.edu
Sarah J
SJ
Clark
Anne E
AE
Cowan
Pascale M
PM
Wortley
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination
D007252:Influenza Vaccines