Private Pediatric Clinic Characteristics Associated with Influenza Immunization Efforts in the State of Georgia: A Pilot Evaluation

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently recommended that all children 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated annually against influenza. Because pediatricians will be critical for implementing this recommendation, we assessed the characteristics of immunization providers associated with the greatest efforts to vaccinate children against influenza. Using a cross-sectional survey of 35 private pediatric clinics in Georgia, we found that adding extra hours for immunization during the influenza vaccination season and having a policy of allowing six or more vaccines to be delivered at one appointment were characteristics associated with a greater intent to vaccinate children in the 2004-2005 influenza vaccination season. Most respondents indicated that for their clinic to implement a universal childhood vaccination policy it would be important to have a formal recommendation from the ACIP and American Academy of Pediatrics, and to be assured that they could receive credits or refunds for unused vaccine.