Matthew F. Daley1, Shannon Stokley
2, Lori A. Crane
3, Brenda L. Beaty
4, Miriam Dickinson
5, Jennifer Barrow
4, Christine Babbel
4, John F. Steiner
4, Art Davidson
6, Stephen Berman
1, and Allison Kempe
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) National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, MS E-52, Atlanta, GA, USA, (3) Dept. of Preventive Medicine & Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E 9th Ave, Box B-119, Denver, CO, USA, (4) Colorado Health Outcomes Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 6508, F-443, Aurora, CO, 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 pediatric immunization.
Background:
A severe influenza vaccine shortage occurred during 2004-2005, and available vaccine was prioritized for high-risk groups.
Objectives:
To assess, in a national survey of pediatricians, the impact of the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine shortage on vaccine availability, vaccination practices, and future vaccination plans.
Methods:
A survey was administered March-June 2005 to a national network of 431 pediatricians, developed from a random sample of American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) members as part of the Vaccine Policy Collaborative Initiative. The network was designed to be representative of the overall AAP membership with respect to urbanicity, practice type, and region.
Results:
Response rate was 82%. Of respondents, 43% experienced a shortage of vaccine for high-risk patients; the median duration of shortages was 2 months. Of those who ordered vaccine before the shortage, 71% eventually received more than three-quarters of their total amount ordered, while 10% ultimately received less than half of their ordered vaccine. 48% of respondents obtained additional vaccine from another source, typically a public health entity. Additionally, 47% referred high-risk patients elsewhere for vaccination, usually a public health clinic. Comparing 2004-2005 with the prior influenza season, 9% reported vaccinating fewer high-risk patients in 2004-2005, 8% thought there were somewhat/many more unimmunized patients with influenza-related complications, and 26% reported using more antiviral agents in unimmunized patients. Finally, 99.7% reported planning to give influenza vaccine during 2005-2006, with 59% planning to order more doses.
Conclusions:
Fewer than half of surveyed pediatricians experienced influenza vaccine shortages for high-risk patients. There was extensive redistribution of vaccine and referral of patients, primarily involving the public health system. Almost all pediatricians plan to provide influenza vaccination in 2005-2006.
See more of Impact of Influenza Vaccine Shortage during the 2004–2005 Season
See more of The 40th National Immunization Conference (NIC)
Recorded presentation