An Email Survey of Physician and Licensed Midwife Vaccination Practices in Washington State in 2011. (11th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Angeli, Marisa Anne; Eckert, Linda O'Neal
• Other Names: Best B. Academic Editor.; Bonmarin I. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN infectious diseases. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-02-11
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/950316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8725

Abstract

Abstract : Despite proven benefit to mothers and infants, influenza and Tdap vaccination for pregnant women remain suboptimal. We conducted an email survey for physicians (MDs) and licensed midwives (LMs) in Washington to assess vaccination practices. The Washington State Department of Health and University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, created an electronic survey and sent it to 644 providers. We used chi-square statistic for comparisons, with Fisher's exact test for cell size smaller than 5. We received responses from 121 (19%), 106 of whom provided prenatal or obstetric care: 81 MDs and 25 LMs. MDs were more likely than LMs to ask whether pregnant patients are current on vaccinations for influenza and pertussis (96% versus 56% and 84% versus 40%, resp., P < 0.001 ) and to recommend influenza and pertussis vaccine during pregnancy (100% versus 20% and 86% versus 24%, resp., P < 0.001 ). Significantly more MDs received influenza vaccine in the most recent season than did LMs (99% versus 20%, P < 0.001 ). In this study, LMs were less likely to inquire about immunization status, recommend influenza and pertussis vaccines, or be vaccinated against influenza than MDs. Enhancing educational communication with LMs deserves further study and may provide an opportunity to improve immunization rates in pregnant women.