Support for universal childhood vaccination against influenza among private pediatric clinics and public health departments in Georgia.

Recently, it has been recommended that all persons 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated annually against influenza. To assess support for this universal recommendation leading up to its implementation, a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers at private pediatric clinics (N = 44) and public health departments (N = 75) was conducted. The survey, conducted in the state of Georgia during 2005-2006, asked about (a) support for universal childhood vaccination against influenza, (b) general and influenza-specific immunization practices in 2004-2005, and (c) types of assistance needed to implement a universal childhood recommendation.

Private Pediatric Clinic Characteristics Associated with Influenza Immunization Efforts in the State of Georgia: A Pilot Evaluation.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently recommended that all children 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated annually against influenza. Because pediatricians will be critical for implementing this recommendation, we assessed the characteristics of immunization providers associated with the greatest efforts to vaccinate children against influenza. Using a cross-sectional survey of 35 private pediatric clinics in Georgia, we found that adding extra hours for immunization during the influenza vaccination season and having a policy of allowing six or more vaccines to be delivered at one appointment were characteristics associated with a greater intent to vaccinate children in the 2004-2005 influenza vaccination season.

Costs of management of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids.

Objective: To determine the cost of management of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids.

Design: A convenience sample of 4 healthcare facilities provided information on the cost of management of occupational exposures that varied in type, severity, and exposure source infection status. Detailed information was collected on time spent reporting, managing, and following up the exposures; salaries (including benefits) for representative staff who sustained and who managed exposures; and costs (not charges) for laboratory testing of exposure sources and exposed healthcare personnel, as well as any postexposure prophylaxis taken by the exposed personnel.