Vaccine
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X
Volume 29, Issue 11 pp. 2005-2226 (3 March 2011)

Regular Papers
Vaccine eligibility and acceptance among ambulatory obstetric and gynecologic patients Original Research Article
Pages 2024-2028
Wendy S. Vitek, Aletha Akers, Leslie A. Meyn, Galen E. Switzer, Bruce Y. Lee, Richard H. Beigi

Abstract
Objective
To assess vaccine eligibility and factors associated with vaccine acceptance among ambulatory obstetric and gynecologic patients.

Methods
An anonymous office-based survey was administered to women seeking ambulatory obstetric and gynecologic care at a large women’s hospital from December 2007 to July 2008. Information collected included: demographics, medical and vaccination history, interest in receiving vaccines and attitudes towards vaccine providers. Vaccine eligibility was based on age and/or self-reported risk factors in accord with the 2007–2008 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adult immunization schedule. Vaccine eligibility was examined using descriptive statistics, and demographic characteristics were compared using chi-squared analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to assess factors associated with participants’ willingness to accept vaccines from their obstetrician–gynecologist.

Results
A total of 1441 women completed the survey. The majority of participants (87%) would accept vaccines if recommended by their obstetrician–gynecologist. The primary factors associated with vaccine acceptance were having less than a high school education, being privately insured, currently being pregnant, reporting a history of vaccinations and previously receiving vaccinations from an obstetrician–gynecologist. A significant portion of participants were eligible for the hepatitis B, influenza and HPV vaccines (≥50% for each). The type of vaccine did not influence willingness to accept vaccines from an obstetrician–gynecologist.

Conclusion
A majority of women appear eligible for, and will accept, vaccinations regardless of specific vaccine, if recommended by their obstetrician–gynecologist. These findings justify ongoing efforts to expand immunization services offered by obstetrician–gynecologists.