Physicians' Knowledge of the 2010-11 ACIP Recommendation for Universal Influenza Vaccination

Background:  In August 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) published recommendations to expand annual influenza vaccination to all persons aged ≥6 months. A change in recommendations disseminated closely before the start of the influenza season may not be known by all physicians.  A physician recommendation for vaccination is strongly associated with getting vaccinated.

Objectives:  Examine 1) physicians’ knowledge of recent ACIP recommendations and 2) physician characteristics associated with recommending influenza vaccination. 

Methods:  In September 2010, an internet panel of 493 pediatricians, obstetrician/gynecologists, internists, and family/general practitioners was asked which patients were included in the 2010 ACIP influenza vaccination recommendation, which patients they will recommend vaccination to in the 2010-11 influenza season, their personal vaccination history, and their beliefs about influenza vaccination. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine physician characteristics associated with recommending influenza vaccination. 

Results:  Sixty-four percent of physicians knew that all persons ≥6 months were recommended for vaccination; but, 49% incorrectly identified children <6 months as being recommended for vaccination. Of physicians that treat adults, 62% indicated they recommend influenza vaccination to all adults.  In multivariable analysis, physician characteristics significantly associated with correctly recommending vaccination to adults were knowledge of ACIP recommendations (OR=8.6 [95% CI: 4.8, 15.4]) and personal vaccination during the 2009-10 season (OR=3.3 [1.3, 8.7]).  Of physicians that treat children, 78% indicated they recommend influenza vaccination to all children ≥6 months.  Knowledge of ACIP recommendations (OR=5.8 [2.4, 14.5]) and personal vaccination (OR=6.2 [2.2, 17.8]) were also significantly associated with correctly recommending vaccination to children.  Pediatricians were more likely (OR=3.6 [1.2, 10.6]) and internists less likely (OR=0.2 [0.1, 0.6]) to recommend vaccination to children compared to family/general practitioners.

Conclusions:  Provider outreach and education should continue, as ensuring physician knowledge of current ACIP influenza vaccination recommendations can increase vaccination recommendations to patients.