Attitudes of Victorian vaccine providers to pertussis vaccine

To assess the attitudes of Victorian vaccine providers to the pertussis component of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP), and to examine differences between kinds of health professionals. Also, to assess vaccine providers' understanding of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines on childhood immunisation with DTP.

We conducted a postal survey of 765 randomly selected Victorian health professionals involved in childhood vaccination, including medical officers of health (MOHs), general practitioners (GPs), maternal child health nurses (MCHNs), paediatricians and environmental health officers (EHOs).

Most (83%) knew that the pertussis component was most frequently responsible for adverse effects of DTP. Thirty-four per cent of all respondents (9% MCHNs, 23% paediatricians, 24% MOHs, 34% EHOs and 39% GPs) believed that pertussis vaccine causes permanent brain damage, 34% did not, and 32% were unsure; 39% believed it causes encephalopathy. Only 9% described vaccination practices entirely in accordance with NHMRC guidelines. Up to 58% of respondents would give diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) in situations when DTP was indicated, and up to 54% would give DTP when it is clearly contraindicated. There was no correlation between knowledge of the safety of DTP and vaccination practices.

Victorian vaccine providers have doubts about the safety of pertussis vaccine. There is a need to ensure the availability and clarity of immunisation guidelines for health workers, to educate them about the use of pertussis vaccine, and to ensure that this knowledge is put into practice.