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Varicella immunization practices and the factors that influence them.
1Strong Children's Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY, USA. Stanley_Schaffer@urmc.rochester.edu
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|April 14, 1999
Summary
Most Rochester physicians offer the varicella vaccine, particularly to adolescents. Physician specialty and opinions on varicella immunization influence vaccine administration, with education on complications potentially increasing uptake.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Immunization Practices
- Public Health
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness with potential complications.
- Physician attitudes and practices regarding varicella vaccination vary.
- Understanding factors influencing vaccine administration is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess varicella immunization practices among physicians in Rochester, NY.
- To identify physician-specific factors associated with varicella vaccine administration.
- To explore physician opinions influencing varicella immunization decisions.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 241 pediatricians and family physicians in Rochester, NY.
- The survey assessed varicella immunization practices and related opinions.
- Response rate was 71.4%, with 172 physicians completing the survey.
Main Results:
- 63% of physicians administered varicella vaccine to children aged 1-5 years, 57% to ages 6-11, and 74% to adolescents 12+.
- Physicians hesitant to vaccinate cited concerns about varicella being a "normal" childhood illness, shifting disease burden to adults, vaccine cost, and prioritizing immunocompromised individuals.
- Pediatricians and those with primarily privately insured patient populations were more likely to offer the vaccine.
Conclusions:
- The majority of Rochester physicians administer the varicella vaccine, with higher rates in adolescents.
- Physician specialty, insurance mix, and specific opinions significantly correlate with varicella vaccine administration.
- Educating physicians on varicella-related morbidity and mortality may increase vaccine uptake among hesitant practitioners.