title: [Implementation of seasonal influenza and human papillomavirus vaccination recommendations in gynecological practices in Germany].
abstract: In Germany, seasonal influenza vaccination has been recommended for pregnant women since 2010 and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls since 2007. Gynecologists play an important role in the communication and vaccination of these two target groups. Moreover, seasonal influenza vaccination is also recommended for healthcare workers, as well as adults aged ≥ 60 years and individuals with underlying chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to gain first insights into the acceptance and implementation of the seasonal influenza und HPV vaccination recommendations in gynecological practices. In the context of the national influenza immunization campaign-which is jointly carried out by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA)-a questionnaire was sent together with influenza information kits to 7477 gynecologists in September 2014. Data from 1469 (20 %) gynecologists were included in the analysis. 72 % of respondents reported that they themselves received a seasonal influenza shot each year. The majority of gynecologists recommended seasonal influenza vaccination for pregnant women (93 %) and HPV vaccination for girls (97 %). The most commonly stated reasons against influenza vaccination were safety concerns. Those against HPV vaccination were effectiveness concerns. Additionally, for both vaccinations the provision of vaccine-related information to the patient was considered too time consuming.The high acceptance of seasonal influenza and HPV vaccination among gynecologists is discordant with the available vaccination coverage figures in Germany. Gynecologists must be reminded of their important role in the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases in adolescents and adult women. Immunization and communication skills should be considered more strongly as an integral part of medical education and further training for gynecologists.
authors.affiliation: Fachgebiet Impfprävention, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland. BoedekerB@rki.de.|Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland. BoedekerB@rki.de.
authors.forename: Birte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bödeker
authors.affiliation: Referat 1-11, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Seefeld
authors.affiliation: Fachgebiet Impfprävention, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buck
authors.affiliation: Referat 1-11, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ommen
authors.affiliation: Fachgebiet Impfprävention, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wichmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
keywords: Gynecology; HPV vaccination; Influenza vaccination; Information needs; Vaccine education