Children's immunizations: the gap between parents and providers

Children's immunizations have been a part of our health care practice for many years. While immunizations have reached record highs in recent years, there is a fear that complacency may cause a drop in immunization rates and thus increases in disease rates. This study explored immunizations from two perspectives. First, focus groups with parents examined immunization information acquisition, practices, and barriers. Next, a physician survey examined immunization provider perceptions of parents' information acquisition, barriers and immunization practices. Several gaps were discovered between these two groups controlling the immunization of our children. Suggestions are made as to possible paths to begin addressing these gaps in order to increase immunization rates.