Allison Kempe1, Matthew F. Daley
1, Lori A. Crane
2, Brenda L. Beaty
3, Shannon Stokley
4, Miriam Dickinson
5, Jennifer Barrow
3, Christine Babbel
3, John F. Steiner
3, Art Davidson
6, and Stephen Berman
1. (1) Dept. of Pediatrics, Univ. of Colo. HSC, Children's Outcomes Research Program, The Children's Hospital, 1056 E. 19th Avenue, B032, Denver, CO, USA, (2) Dept. of Preventive Medicine & Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E 9th Ave, Box B-119, Denver, CO, USA, (3) Colorado Health Outcomes Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 6508, F-443, Aurora, CO, USA, (4) National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, MS E-52, Atlanta, GA, USA, (5) Dept. of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E 9th Ave, Box B-119, Denver, CO, USA, (6) Public Health, Denver Health, 605 Bannock Street, MC #2600, Denver, CO, USA
Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe the impact of the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine shortage on primary care practice.
Background:
Because of shortages of influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 influenza season, ACIP recommended directing available influenza vaccine to high-risk priority groups.
Objectives:
To assess among primary care practices: 1) ability to identify priority groups; 2) extent of vaccine shortages experienced; and 3) amount of redistribution of vaccine during the season.
Methods:
We conducted mailed surveys of randomly selected AMA pediatricians, general internal medicine (GIM) physicians and family physicians (FM). The survey protocol included 4 mailings over a 6 week period.
Results:
The overall response rate was 33% and the study population included 319 FM, 251 GIM, and 377 pediatricians. 58% of FM, 60% of GIM and 75% of pediatricians had some method of identifying priority patients, although only 21% of FM, 18% of GIM and 39% of pediatricians used a computerized method. 73% of FM, 75% of GIM and 45% of pediatricians experienced shortages for patients in priority groups for a median of 2-3 months. 48-50% of FM, GIM and pediatric practices obtained additional doses during the shortage from another source, 53% of the time from a public health entity. 79% of FM, 80% of GIM and 51% of pediatric providers referred high-risk patients for immunization. 94% of these referrals were to a public health clinic.
Conclusions:
Vaccine shortages for high priority patients were experienced by the majority of primary care physicians, especially those caring for adults. There was significant redistribution of vaccine and referral of patients, primarily involving the public health system. Enhancing methods of identifying and targeting priority patients and increasing cooperation with public health entities should be priorities in dealing with possible future shortages.
See more of Impact of Influenza Vaccine Shortage during the 2004–2005 Season
See more of The 40th National Immunization Conference (NIC)
Presentation