Vaccines Provided by Family Physicians

Doug Campos-Outcalt; Michelle Jeffcott-Pera; Pamela Carter-Smith; Bellinda K. Schoof; Herbert F. Young

doi:10.1370/afm.1185

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Encouraging VFC participation
Jamie Loehr

Published on: 10 November 2010
Timely article on Immunization practices and barriers in Family physicians offices
Everett W Schlam

Published on: 09 November 2010

Published on: (10 November 2010)
Page navigation anchor for Encouraging VFC participation
Encouraging VFC participation
Jamie Loehr, Ithaca, NY USA
The most interesting outcome of this research is the low rate of participation of family practitioners in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. One half of the responders to the survey did not participate in the VFC program and only 35% of solo physicians participated. Given the high rate of VFC eligible children in this country, that means a substantial minority of children are unable to obtain vaccines in their m...
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The most interesting outcome of this research is the low rate of participation of family practitioners in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. One half of the responders to the survey did not participate in the VFC program and only 35% of solo physicians participated. Given the high rate of VFC eligible children in this country, that means a substantial minority of children are unable to obtain vaccines in their medical home.
Any time a vaccine is delayed, there is a greater chance that the vaccine will never be given. To paraphrase William Gladstone, a vaccine delayed is a vaccine denied. We have the goal as a society to ensure vaccines for all children, not only for the child's individual health but for the well being of society as a whole. We need to overcome any burdens that interfere with a physician giving a necessary vaccine in the office on the day the child is being seen. I firmly agree with the final conclusion in the article: "The reasons behind the lack of participation in the VFC program deserve further study."
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (9 November 2010)
Page navigation anchor for Timely article on Immunization practices and barriers in Family physicians offices
Timely article on Immunization practices and barriers in Family physicians offices
Everett W Schlam, Verona, N.J.
Dr. Campos-Outcalt discusses some of the important barriers to immunization in a Family Practice Reimbursement issues and practice size are two important reasons listed for referring patients to other facilities for immunization Zostavax and rotavirus vaccine have lower rates of immunization in Family practices Dr. Campos -Outcalt is a recognized leader in the immunization field. His review of the recent AAFP syudy gives i...
Show More

Dr. Campos-Outcalt discusses some of the important barriers to immunization in a Family Practice Reimbursement issues and practice size are two important reasons listed for referring patients to other facilities for immunization Zostavax and rotavirus vaccine have lower rates of immunization in Family practices Dr. Campos -Outcalt is a recognized leader in the immunization field. His review of the recent AAFP syudy gives important insight into the barriers to immunization in a Family Practice. Strategies to improve immunization rates are an important health care goal
Competing interests: Speaker for Merck and Sanofi
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Competing Interests: None declared.