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Physician perspectives regarding pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Stanley J Schaffer1, Peter G Szilagyi, Laura P Shone
1New Vaccine Surveillance Network, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. stanley_schaffer@urmc.rochester.edu
Pediatrics
|November 29, 2002
Summary
Physician adoption of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was high, but initial delays occurred due to insurance and vaccine program issues. Some physicians also postponed other vaccines when administering PCV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced for routine childhood immunization in February 2000.
- Physician perspectives on new vaccine introductions are crucial for understanding uptake and impact on immunization schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physician attitudes towards PCV use shortly after its licensure.
- To identify patient populations receiving PCV early on.
- To evaluate PCV's effect on the timing of other childhood vaccinations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to pediatricians and family physicians in Rochester, NY, and Nashville, TN, in October 2000.
- Multiple mailings were used to maximize response rates.
- Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression analyzed physician responses regarding PCV use and scheduling.
Main Results:
- High physician acceptance of PCV was observed (82% of respondents).
- Initial introduction delays were linked to insurance reimbursement (60%) and Vaccines for Children (VFC) program availability (51%).
- Some physicians delayed other vaccinations (e.g., varicella, hepatitis B, polio) due to concerns about administering multiple vaccines simultaneously.
Conclusions:
- PCV gained widespread physician acceptance, indicating perceived benefit.
- Financial and logistical factors (insurance, VFC program) influenced initial PCV uptake.
- Concerns about co-administration of multiple vaccines can temporarily affect the timing of other immunizations, but rapid adoption follows integration into payment systems.