Emergency Physicians' Perspectives on Smallpox Vaccination

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate emergency physician (EP) attitudes toward smallpox vaccination, the treatment of patients with suspected smallpox, and the threat of a bioterrorist attack. Methods: This was a prospective study utilizing a standardized survey instrument that was distributed on November 16, 2002, and collected by February 1, 2003. EPs from a sample of 50 accredited emergency medicine programs were surveyed regarding their perspectives on smallpox vaccination. Results: A total of 989 surveys were collected from 42 emergency medicine programs. Of the respondents, 43.4% would currently volunteer for smallpox vaccination. EPs previously vaccinated against smallpox were 1.46 times more likely to volunteer for vaccination (95% CI = 1.14 to 1.93). EPs who believed they were at risk for complications were less than half as likely to volunteer for vaccination. EPs who perceived a significant risk of a bioterrorist attack were 2.7 times more likely to volunteer for the vaccine compared with those who thought the risk was minimal (95% CI = 2.06 to 3.47). Of the respondents, 34.4% believed the risks of the vaccination outweighed the benefits, 33% did not, and 32.6% were unsure. Conclusions: Currently, fewer than half of EPs surveyed would volunteer for smallpox vaccination. Factors associated with a willingness to be vaccinated include previous smallpox vaccination and the perceived threat of a bioterrorist attack. The variation in EP attitudes toward smallpox vaccination may be due to uncertain risk‐to‐benefit ratio. The opinions and actions of EPs may be influential on current and future government policy and public opinion.

The Anthrax Vaccine and Research: Reactions from Postal Workers and Public Health Professionals

“…[22][23][24] In contrast, studies have found that vaccine acceptance is positively affected by perceived benefit of vaccination, perceived greater risk and worry about bioterrorism, positive beliefs about vaccines in general, and female gender. 23,24 In an anthrax vaccine study, laboratory workers who declined the vaccine were more likely…”

Emergency Medicine Public Health Research Funded by Federal Agencies: Progress and Priorities

“…The 11-site EmergIDNet has resulted in significant advances in surveillance of infectious diseases. [33][34][35][36] Unfortunately, ED visits are the only regular encounter with health care providers for some individuals. [37][38][39] The ED is an important setting for testing for HIV and STIs as it may be the best, and possibly only, setting for identifying, treating, and controlling these infections, and this may be critically important for reducing morbidity, mortality, and further transmission.…”