Pneumococcal vaccination: opinion of general practitioners and hospital doctors in Scotland, 1999-2000

A cross sectional survey by postal questionnaire was carried out to examine general practitioners' (GPs) and hospital doctors' (HDs) knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) with regard to pneumococcal vaccination in primary and hospital care in Scotland. Most GPs and HDs considered patients with chronic medical conditions, as recommended by the Department of Health (DoH), to be candidates for pneumococcal vaccination. Although the DoH does not currently recommend the vaccine for all the elderly, 47% of GPs and 46% of HDs reported that the vaccine should be given to this group. GPs (61-85%) and HDs (48-55%) indicated that they considered the vaccine to be safe and effective. The acceptance of pneumococcal vaccine was much lower than for influenza vaccine however, and 79% of HDs and 17% of GPs had never used the vaccine. Documented policies (with or without set targets) for pneumococcal vaccine existed in only 14% of general practice and 3% of hospital settings. Over 70% of respondents indicated that GPs should take responsibility for pneumococcal vaccination. The main sources of knowledge about pneumococcal vaccines were stated to be discussion with colleagues, review of medical literature, past experience, and the DoH recommendations. A clear immunisation policy and financial support for vaccination were identified as important strategies to improve pneumococcal vaccine coverage. Strategies directed toward these factors could enhance vaccine delivery and coverage of vaccine in high-risk individuals.