Are primary care providers aware of varicella vaccination guidelines?
PURPOSE: To determine whether physicians providing primary care in Ontario were aware of guidelines published by Health Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), their opinions about the varicella vaccine, and factors that influence use of the vaccine. METHODS: A questionnaire examining awareness, knowledge, and perceived barriers to using varicella vaccine was developed and mailed to a random sample of 500 family physicians and 400 pediatricians practising in Ontario. RESULTS: To the 900 questionnaires mailed, 284 family physicians (56.9%) and 232 pediatricians (59.2%) responded. Fifty-six percent of family physicians and 95.4% of pediatricians providing primary care were aware of the Health Canada guidelines. Physicians who were aware of the Health Canada guidelines were more knowledgeable about the vaccine and were more likely to recommend it. Both groups of physicians identified cost (not covered by the government), problems with storage and handling, and concern
