Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to state two vaccines for which patient immunization status is most likely to be assessed by Obstetric and Gynecologic (OBGYN) physicians.
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to state two factors associated with OBGYN assessment of patient immunization status.


Background:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recognized the role of Obstetric and Gynecologic Practitioners as primary health care providers and promotes immunization.

Objectives:
The objectives of this study are to assess the beliefs and practices of the OBGYN physicians in Minnesota and to identify factors that would help OBGYN physicians increase vaccination rates.

Methods:
A survey was mailed to all OBGYN physicians in Minnesota and returned between January and August 2004. Follow-up with non-responders was conducted to increase the response rate.

Results:
282 of 540 (59%) completed surveys were returned.
OBGYN physicians were most likely to assess influenza and tetanus immunization status during GYN and primary care visits (>50%), hepatitis B and influenza immunization status during prenatal visits (>67%), and varicella immunization status during postpartum visits (>50%).
Depending on the vaccine, 57% to 82% of the OBGYN physicians vaccinate women in their clinic and 10% to 27% of the OBGYN physicians refer women, when immunization is indicated. The others indicated, “does not apply”.
Factors that influence physicians' assessment of immunization status are a belief: that immunizations are cost effective; that the likelihood and severity of the illness in women can be minimized by vaccine; that risk in a women's occupation or health condition can be minimized by a vaccine.


Conclusions:
Many opportunities exist to increase assessment of immunization status and administration of vaccines by OBGYN physicians.