Immunization practices and beliefs of physicians in suburban Cook County, Illinois

This study was conducted to ascertain the vaccination beliefs and practices of physicians who provide care for low income children. Sixty-two (56.9%) of a sample of 109 physicians in suburban Cook County, Illinois responded t o a mail survey. A majority of physicians reported a willingness to immuniz e during well child care, follow-up, and chronic illness visits; yet, a sub stantial lack of willingness to immunize given certain acute mild illnesses was reported. Twenty-six percent of providers did not routinely identify c hildren who were behind in immunizations and only 16% had completed a chart audit in the past three years. Seventy-four percent were willing to provid e all shots needed at a single visit. Misconceptions regarding true contrai ndications was found among the group. Missed well child visits were identif ied as the greatest barrier to complete immunization. Improvements in vacci nation rates are expected if physicians utilize all types of medical encoun ters to monitor the immunization status of patients and provide vaccines us ing only true medical contraindications.