Partners in immunization: 2010 survey examining differences among H1N1 vaccine providers in Washington state

Abstract

Objectives: Emergency response involving mass vaccination requires the involvement of traditional vaccine providers as well as other health-care providers, including pharmacists, obstetricians, and health-care providers at correctional facilities. We explored differences in provider experiences administering pandemic vaccine during a public health emergency.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of H1N1 vaccine providers in Washington State, examining topics regarding pandemic vaccine administration, participation in preparedness activities, and communication with public health agencies. We also examined differences among provider types in responses received (n=619, 80.9% response rate).

Results: Compared with other types of vaccine providers (e.g., family practitioners, obstetricians, and specialists), pharmacists reported higher patient volumes as well as higher patient-to-practitioner ratios, indicating a broad capacity for community reach. Pharmacists and correctional health-care providers reported lower staff coverage with seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Compared with other vaccine providers, pharmacists were also more likely to report relying on public health information from federal sources. They were less likely to report relying on local health departments (LHDs) for pandemic-related information, but indicated a desire to be included in LHD communications and plans. While all provider types indicated a high willingness to respond to a public health emergency, pharmacists were less likely to have participated in training, actual emergency response, or surge capacity initiatives. No obstetricians reported participating in surge capacity initiatives.

Conclusions: Results from this survey suggest that efforts to increase communication and interaction between public health agencies and pharmacy, obstetric, and correctional health-care vaccine providers may improve future preparedness and emergency response capability and reach.

Figure 1

Mean number and 95% confidence intervals^a of patients seen daily per practitioner, by provider type, in a weighted analysis of a survey of vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010^b

Figure 2a

Vaccine requirements among providers in a survey of vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010

Figure 2b

Staff H1N1 influenza vaccine coverage in a survey of vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010

Figure 3a

Preferred sources of public health information in a weighted analysis of a survey on vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010

Figure 3b

Perceived usefulness of guidance from health departments in a weighted analysis of a survey on vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010

Figure 4

Training, emergency response, and surge capacity participation for pharmacy providers vs. other providers in a weighted analysis of a survey on vaccine provider preparedness: Washington State, 2010 ^aStatistically significant at p<0.05