Vaccine financing from the perspective of primary care physicians.

Objectives: Because of high purchase costs of newer vaccines, financial risk to private vaccination providers has increased. We assessed among pediatricians and family physicians satisfaction with insurance payment for vaccine purchase and administration by payer type, the proportion who have considered discontinuing provision of all childhood vaccines for financial reasons, and strategies used for handling uncertainty about insurance coverage when new vaccines first become available.

Methods: A national survey among private pediatricians and family physicians April to September 2011.

HPV vaccination of boys in primary care practices.

Objective: In October 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV4) for the routine immunization schedule for 11- to 12-year-old boys. Before October 2011, HPV4 was permissively recommended for boys. We conducted a study in 2010 to provide data that could guide efforts to implement routine HPV4 immunization in boys.

Influenza vaccination in the 2009-2010 pandemic season: the experience of primary care physicians.

Objectives: Determine among a representative sample of pediatricians (Peds), family medicine (FM), and general internal medicine (GIM) physicians in the 2009-2010 influenza season physicians': 1) practices and experiences with delivery of seasonal and pH1N1 influenza vaccines; and 2) anticipated and experienced barriers.

Methods: Two US national surveys administered 7/2009-10/2009 (before pH1N1 distribution) and 3/2010-6/2010 (after pH1N1 distribution) to 416 Peds, 424 FM and 432 GIM.

Results: Of respondents who received both surveys, 62% (776/1253) completed both.

Timing of adolescent meningococcal conjugate vaccination attitudes and practices of pediatricians and family medicine physicians.

Background: The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was recommended for those aged 11-18 years in 2005. Initial supply issues led to an emphasis on immunizing older adolescents. When supply improved in 2007, routine immunization was recommended for those aged 11-12 years.

Adherence to expanded influenza immunization recommendations among primary care providers.

Objective: To assess practices regarding the expanded Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for influenza vaccination in children among US pediatricians and family medicine physicians (FMs) and strategies to promote vaccination.

Study Design: We administered a survey between July and October 2009 to 416 pediatricians and 424 FMs from nationally representative networks.

Results: The response rate was 75% (79% pediatricians, 70% FMs).

Influenza vaccine delivery delays from the perspective of primary care physicians.

Background: The effects of delayed influenza vaccine delivery on primary practices are currently unknown.

Purpose: To describe, among primary care physicians nationally regarding the 2006-2007 influenza season: (1) how physicians defined influenza vaccine delay; (2) the extent of reported vaccine delays; and (3) the perceived effects of vaccine delays.

Methods: Between March and June 2007, a total of 1268 primary care physicians nationally were surveyed.

Prevalence of parental concerns about childhood vaccines: the experience of primary care physicians.

Background: Little is known about the effects of increased parental vaccine safety concerns on physicians' vaccine communication attitudes and practices.

Purpose: To assess among pediatricians and family medicine (FM) physicians: (1) prevalence of parental requests to deviate from recommended vaccine schedules; (2) responses to such requests; and (3) attitudes about the burden and success of vaccine communications with parents.

Methods: Survey of nationally representative samples of pediatricians and FM physicians (N=696) conducted during February to May 2009 with analysis in 2010.

Physician practices regarding adult hepatitis B vaccination: a national survey.

Background: Less than 50% of adults with risk factors for hepatitis B infection have been vaccinated. Although primary care settings typically serve an important role in immunization delivery, little is known about adult hepatitis B vaccination practices in primary care, including the use of strategies such as standing orders to improve immunization rates. The objectives of this study were to assess, among family physicians and general internists, current approaches to assessing adult patients for hepatitis B risk factors, reported hepatitis B vaccination practices, and attitudes about standing orders for hepatitis B vaccination.