Physician beliefs and knowledge about vaccinations. Are Cincinnati doctors giving their best shot?

The purpose of this study was to examine the immunization beliefs and practices of physicians in our community. A two-page descriptive survey of immunization practices and knowledge of vaccine contraindications was sent to all community physicians on the staff of Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. More than 90% of practitioners used well-child visits for immunization, even if the child was ill. Although 83% of respondents correctly identified illness with fever as a false contraindication to immunization, only 25% (if the child is due for a visit) and 36% (if the child is overdue) would use ill visits to immunize if a child had fever. The chief concern over using ill visits for immunization was that children would not return for regular well visits. We conclude that greater efforts are needed to convince physicians that using ill visits to immunize children will not interfere with routine well care.