Reported general practitioner vaccination procedures, 1994 and 1996

To determine general practitioner (GP) vaccination procedures during the first two years of implementation of the National Childhood Immunisation Program.

Two cross-sectional self-completion mail surveys of Australian GPs, in October/November 1994 (Survey 1) and April/May 1996 (Survey 2).

1417 systematically selected (Survey 1) and 1482 randomly selected (Survey 2) GPs.

Mailing of a package of publications on immunisation to all GPs, a community education campaign, and the introduction of the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. State and Territory and local initiatives on immunisation, changes in vaccine distribution and funding, and media coverage of vaccination issues may also have affected GPs' procedures.

Reported vaccination procedures consistent with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommendations.

Response rates were 77% (Survey 1) and 78% (Survey 2). There were statistically significant rises in the proportions of GPs who reported vaccination procedures consistent with NHMRC recommendations for simultaneous administration of vaccines, injection site, vaccination of children taking antibiotics or those with mild upper respiratory tract infection, and vaccine storage. There was a reduction in reported opportunistic vaccination, and no change in reported procedures regarding pertussis vaccination.

Many factors may have contributed to these changes in GP vaccination procedures. While the changes mostly show an improvement in adherence to NHMRC guidelines, further progress needs to be made, particularly in the areas of opportunistic vaccination, pertussis vaccination and vaccine storage. The best method of informing GPs of current vaccination recommendations needs to be explored.