Interoffice Variability in the Delivery of Influenza Vaccine by US Pediatric Offices

Background • Since 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has advised that all children 6 months to 18 years of age receive annual vaccination against influenza as early as vaccine becomes available.1 • Children aged 6 months to 8 years may require 2 doses of influenza vaccine based on their prior vaccination status.2 • Failure to receive the 2-dose regimen can lead to suboptimal protection.3,4 • Despite recent increases in the influenza vaccination coverage among US children, coverage still remains suboptimal.5 • Limited data are available regarding the current use of influenza vaccines by US office-based pediatricians. • An enhanced understanding of office influenza vaccination practices could help with the creation of specific, targeted interventions to improve overall vaccination rates. Objective • To describe pediatric influenza vaccination behaviors and delivery after the 2009 influenza pandemic response and implementation of the expanded influenza vaccination recommendations in a geographically diverse sample of US pediatricians