Immunizing Preschool Children: Beliefs and Practices of Pediatric Residents

Abstract

Immunization practices and knowledge of vaccine contraindications among pediatric residents were assessed at five pediatric training facilities by surveying 227 pediatric residents. Residents administer vaccines even in the presence of an afebrile minor illness. They are less likely to vaccinate if a fever (<102F) is present. Only 57% of residents report administering vaccines at the 15-month well-child checks. Many residents had difficulty recognizing true and false contraindications, though third-year residents did better than first-year residents. Failure during residency to utilize 15-month well visits and ill visits in the presence of a fever and the lack of knowledge of true and false vaccine contraindications may be causes of missed opportunities to vaccinate among residents. Immunization practices resulting in missed opportunites to vaccinate seen during during residency may influence later immunization practices.

Factors underlying inadequate parents’ awareness regarding pediatrics immunization: findings of cross-sectional study in Mosul- Iraq

“…Many studies conducted in United Kingdom and United States of America revealed that, as with practicing physicians, parents and other medical staff possess varying knowledge regarding childhood vaccines [2,3]. …”

“…Knowledge and practice about children’s vaccines, communication about the risks and benefits of vaccines, disease risks, and other vaccine information should be part of the training curriculum in immunization area [ 1 ]. Many studies conducted in United Kingdom and United States of America revealed that, as with practicing physicians, parents and other medical staff possess varying knowledge regarding childhood vaccines [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Mothers’ Perceptions of Childhood Immunizations in First Nations Communities of the Sioux Lookout Zone

“…One cause of missed opportunities is parental or provider misconceptions about the true contraindications to vaccination. 19,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] As was evident from this study, minor illnesses and fever are often erroneously thought to preclude vaccination. Canadian immunization guidelines clearly stipulate that mild illnesses, with or without fever, which include colds and upper respiratory tract infections, are not contraindications to vaccination.…”

Impact of Resident Feedback on Immunization Outcomes

“…Other potential causes of missed immunization opportunities in appointments kept are overcautious interpretation of immunization contraindications 14,15 and a reluctance to give multiple vaccines. 16,17 At the time of our study, most residents and faculty recommended diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine rather than diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, and inactivated poliovirus vaccine rather than oral poliovirus vaccine.…”