On October 7, Sermo, a social community platform for medical doctors, launched the outcomes of a survey on healthcare suppliers’ opinions in regards to the newest Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) suggestions. Responses revealed each confidence and concern, notably relating to COVID-19.
Healthcare Innovation’s Mark Hagland not too long ago reported on the ACIP’s conferences in September to hammer out vaccine insurance policies, which turned chaotic. The Committee in the end voted—amid sturdy opposition from some members—to make a number of modifications to vaccine schedules, Hagland reported. It voted to not permit a federal vaccine program to cowl the price of a mix vaccine that protects towards measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, also called chickenpox, whereas indefinitely suspending a vote on hepatitis B vaccination. Moreover, it voted to maneuver away from common vaccination utilizing mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 prevention.
Sermo reported that one in 4 clinicians struggled to interpret the brand new steerage. Pediatricians stood out specifically, with greater than half reporting confusion, and one in 5 describing the suggestions as very complicated. Three areas recognized as issues have been COVID-19 (77 p.c), MMR/Varicella (58 p.c), and HepB (55 p.c).
Most survey respondents supported the ACIP’s selections, with 29 p.c strongly agreeing and 43 p.c considerably agreeing. Nonetheless, the info revealed a extra nuanced image when damaged down by specialty. Pediatricians have been extra skeptical, with almost 70 p.c disagreeing to some extent.
When it got here to COVID-19 vaccine suggestions, six in ten respondents mentioned that the brand new suggestions have been grounded in real-world medical proof. Suppliers strongly favored federal tips (63 p.c) over state-by-state decision-making.
The ACIP additionally up to date its suggestions for childhood vaccines, together with recommendation that youngsters below age 4 obtain separate MMR and varicella photographs as an alternative of the mixed MMRV vaccine. On this, suppliers have been divided, with 60 p.c agreeing and 40 p.c disagreeing.
Sermo surveyed 243 healthcare professionals – together with US PCPs, pharmacists, pediatricians, OB/GYNs, and NP/PAs.
