Attitudes and practices regarding varicella vaccination among physicians in Minnesota: implications for public health and provider education.

Abstract

This study sought to determine physicians' attitudes and practices regarding varicella vaccine. A sample of Minnesota family physicians and pediatricians was surveyed in January 1997. Of 255 physicians surveyed, 108 (42%) reported routinely offering varicella vaccine. Physicians who perceived their professional organization's recommendations as "very important" were more likely to routinely offer varicella vaccine. Physicians who preferred natural disease over vaccination and those concerned about waning immunity were less likely to routinely offer vaccine. Recommendations of professional organizations have encouraged varicella vaccine use and may further enhance future use. Differences in pediatricians' and family physicians' attitudes and practices regarding this vaccine suggest that education of providers by specialty may be needed to increase acceptance of newly licensed vaccines.