Survey of Physicians' Attitudes to the Haemophilus Influenzae Type-b Vaccine.

A survey was conducted in nine centres across Canada to determine the attitudes of Canadian physicians to the recommended Haemophilus Influenzae type-b vaccine program. The questionnaire was distributed to 448 family physicians and 315 pediatricians, with response rates of 42% and 64% respectively. Only 42% of the family physicians and 57% of the primary care pediatricians expressed their intent to recommend the vaccine to all indicated patients. Their responses emphasize the need for: appropriately packaged material (in single-dose vials); government funding to ensure universal patient accessibility and to relieve physicians of an unwelcome financial burden; development of a Haemophilus influenzae type-b vaccine suitable for the major target population (i.e., children under 24 months old); and public health education. An effective Haemophilus influenzae type-b immunization program will be seen only when these goals are met.