Pediatric provider vaccine hesitancy: An under-recognized obstacle to immunizing children. Issue 48 (27th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suryadevara, Manika; Handel, Andrew; Bonville, Cynthia A.; Cibula, Donald A.; Domachowske, Joseph B.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 33:Issue 48(2015)
• Page Start: 6629
• Page End: 6634
• Publication Date: 2015-11-27
• Subjects: Vaccine attitudes -- Vaccine hesitancy -- Pediatric vaccine; AAP American Academy of Pediatrics -- HPV human papillomavirus -- MMR measles mumps rubella; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.10.096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To describe vaccine attitudes among pediatric healthcare providers attending immunization conferences. Study design: Attendees of 5 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)-sponsored vaccine conferences held between June and November 2013 anonymously completed a questionnaire assessing vaccine attitudes and practices prior to the opening of educational sessions. Pearson's chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze associations between vaccine attitudes, vaccine practices and provider characteristics. Results: 680 providers attending AAP-sponsored vaccine conferences were included. 661/666 (99%) enrolled providers state they routinely recommend standard pediatric vaccines, yet, 30 (5%) state that they do not routinely recommend influenza and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. These providers expressed vaccine safety (87/680 (13%)) and efficacy (21/680 (31%)) concerns and stated belief in vaccine misperceptions: vaccine causes autism (34/668, 5%), multiple vaccines at a single visit reduces vaccine efficacy (43/680, 6%) or overwhelms the immune system (63/680, 9%), and administering HPV vaccine will increase the likelihood of unprotected adolescent sexual activity (29/680, 4%). Six percent of providers who do not routinely recommend all pediatric vaccines correctly identified themselves as vaccine hesitant. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is under-recognized among pediatric providers attending AAP-sponsored immunization conferences. Educational interventions tailored to address provider vaccine concerns are needed to improve provider vaccine confidence.