Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding varicella vaccination among health care providers participating in the varicella active surveillance project, Antelope Valley, California, 2005.

Abstract

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding varicella vaccination and disease were assessed among health care providers participating in the Varicella Active Surveillance Project in Antelope Valley, California, in 2005. Compared with those of a similar survey conducted in 1999, results suggest a reduction in concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. Routine assessment of adolescents for varicella susceptibility was reported by 87% of respondents, but only 42% reported routine assessment of adults. Several respondents were unaware that disease in a vaccinated person is infectious, and some did not know the vaccination recommendations pertaining to susceptible health care workers, suggesting a need for provider education on these issues.