Kansas Provider Report of Adolescent Vaccinations in Their Practice

Abstract

Introduction. Kansas falls consistently below average for adolescent
vaccination of meningococcal (MCV), human papillomavirus
(HPV), and influenza.

Methods. For this study, the members of Kansas Chapter of the
American Academy of Pediatrics were emailed a confidential electronic
survey soliciting their impressions of vaccination in their
practice.

Results. Of 137 providers emailed, 61 (45%) completed the survey.
Thirteen providers were excluded as they did not see/vaccinate adolescents
or did not complete the survey. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
(Tdap), and MCV vaccines were most commonly up to date with
31 (65%) and 20 (42%) respondents reporting greater than 90%
immunization rates, respectively. HPV (n = 42, 89%) and influenza
(n = 40, 83%) vaccines had refusal rates greater than 25% in most
clinics. Most practices (n = 44, 92%) used internal electronic medical
records to track vaccinations, although 29 practices (60%) utilized
the state immunization information system. Providers requested
vaccine-specific patient education tools, positive media coverage,
staffing support, and best-practices workshops to support vaccination
efforts.

Conclusion. Kansas providers may not be optimizing available
resources to enhance these rates, such as Web IZ tracking and immunization
reminders. Patient education supplies, specific to HPV and
Influenza vaccination, potentially could increase vaccination rates.
KS J Med 2017;10(4):84-87.