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Objective In 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made a category B recommendation for use of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines, meaning individual clinical decision-making should guide recommendations. This was the first use of a category B recommendation pertaining to a large population and the first such recommendation for adolescents. As part of a survey regarding MenB vaccine, our objectives were to assess among pediatricians (Peds) and family physicians (FPs) nationally: 1) knowledge of the meaning of category A versus B recommendations and insurance coverage implications, and 2) attitudes about category A and B recommendations. Methods We surveyed a nationally representative sample of Peds and FPs via e-mail and mail from October to December 2016. Results The response rate was 72% (660 of 916). Although >80% correctly identified the definition of a category A recommendation, only 24% were correct about the definition for category B. Fifty-five percent did not know that private insurance would pay for vaccines recommended as category B, and 51% did not know that category B-recommended vaccines would be covered by the Vaccines for Children program. Fifty-nine percent found it difficult to explain category B recommendations to patients; 22% thought ACIP should not make category B recommendations; and 39% were in favor of category B recommendations because they provide leeway in decision-making. Conclusions For category B recommendations to be useful in guiding practice, primary care clinicians will need to have a better understanding of their meaning, their implications for insurance payment, and guidance on how to discuss them with parents and patients.

Background Despite safe and effective childhood immunizations, decreased acceptance of vaccines has become an emerging global problem. The WHO SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy developed a common diagnostic tool, the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS), to identify and compare hesitancy in different global settings. We field tested the VHS in rural and urban Guatemala. Methods We analyzed data from the enrollment visit of a study conducted at four public health clinics in Guatemala. Infants ages 6 weeks-6 months presenting for their first wellness visit were enrolled March-November 2016. Parents completed a demographic survey that included the 10 dichotomous and 10 Likert scale VHS questions. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact for categorical and ANOVA test for continuous variables were used to assess significance levels in survey differences. We conducted a factor analysis to assess the Likert scale questions. Results Of 1088 families screened, 871 were eligible and 720 (82.7%) participated. No parent had ever refused a vaccination, and only eight parents (1.1%) had been reluctant or hesitated to get a vaccination for their children. However, only 40.8% (n = 294) of parents said that they think most parents like them have their children vaccinated with all the recommended vaccines. Factor analysis identified two underlying constructs that had eigenvalues of 1.0 or greater and a substantive lack of variability in response across the Likert scale. There were consistent differences between how study clinics responded to the ordinal scaling. Conclusion Our results suggest problems with interpretation of the VHS, especially in the presence of vaccine shortages and using a Likert scale that does not resonate across diverse cultural settings. Our factor analysis suggests that the Likert scale items are more one-dimensional and do not represent the multiple constructs of vaccine hesitancy. We suggest more work is needed to refine this survey for improved reliability and validity. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02567006 .

Introduction A proven, but underutilized, method to increase current low vaccination rates is reminder/recall. Centralized reminder/recall using an Immunization Information System reduces the burden of an individual practice conducting reminder/recall. The objectives were to assess the effectiveness of centralized vaccine reminder/recall on improving adult vaccination rates using Colorado’s Immunization Information System. Study design This study is a pragmatic RCT. Setting/participants Denver Health patients were divided into three strata: 25,039 individuals aged 19–64 years without a high-risk condition for pneumococcal disease, 16,897 individuals aged 19–64 years with a high-risk condition, and 5,332 individuals aged ≥65 years. Data were collected from October 2015 to April 2016 and analyzed between September 2016 and June 2017. Intervention Adults aged 19–64 years without a high-risk condition who needed influenza or tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine or both, and adults with a high-risk condition and adults aged ≥65 years who needed influenza, or tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, or pneumococcal vaccine, or all three vaccines were randomized to receive up to three reminder/recalls or usual care. Main outcome measures Documentation of receipt of any needed vaccine in Immunization Information System ≤6 months after the reminder/recall was the primary outcome. A secondary outcome included implementation costs of the reminder/recall effort. A mixed effects model assessed the association between the intervention and receipt of any needed vaccine while controlling for gender, age, race, ethnicity, insurance type, and history of vaccine refusal. Results The intervention was associated with receipt of any needed vaccine in the adults aged ≥65 years population (AOR=1.15, 95% CI=1.02, 1.30), but not the other two populations. Influenza vaccine was the source of this difference, with 32.0% receiving a vaccine in intervention versus 28.6% in usual-care groups (p≤0.01). Start-up and implementation costs per person were $0.86. In the population aged ≥65 years, 29.4 patients would need to be contacted to gain one additional vaccination. Conclusions Centralized reminder/recall was effective at increasing influenza vaccination rates in adults aged ≥65 years over a short time period, without burdening the practices, and at a reasonable cost. Trial Registration This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02133391.

Context Little is known about the health of transgender adults in the United States, a growing population. There have been no large reports examining differences in health status and cardiometabolic disease in subgroups of transgender adults [female-to-male (FTM), male-to-female (MTF), and gender nonconforming (GNC)] in the United States. Objective Compare the health status and prevalence of cardiometabolic disease among specific subgroups of transgender adults (FTM, MTF, GNC) with those of cisgender adults in the United States. Design Secondary data analysis based on the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Setting The 22 states in the United States that asked about transgender identity. Participants Noninstitutionalized adults age ≥18 years who reside in the United States, identified through telephone-based methods. Main Outcome Measures Data were extracted for respondents who answered the transgender identity question. Weighted percentages are given for all measures. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) are reported for health status and cardiometabolic disease measures. Results FTM adults have a higher odds of being uninsured than both cisgender women [OR 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1 to 7.1] and cisgender men (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7). MTF adults have a higher odds of reporting myocardial infarction than cisgender women (OR 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.3) but not cisgender men. Conclusions There are significant differences in health status measures and cardiometabolic health between subgroups of transgender adults and cisgender adults. There is a need for additional research to understand the societal and medical (e.g., hormone therapy) effects on these outcomes., There are differences in health status and cardiometabolic health among subgroups of transgender adults compared with cisgender adults on the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey.

INTRODUCTION In 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for at-risk adults ≥19; in 2014, it expanded this recommendation to adults ≥65. Primary care physicians' practice, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding these recommendations are unknown. METHODS Primary care physicians throughout the U.S. were surveyed by E-mail and post from December 2015 to January 2016. RESULTS Response rate was 66% (617 of 935). Over 95% of respondents reported routinely assessing adults' vaccination status and recommending both vaccines. A majority found the current recommendations to be clear (50% "very clear," 38% "somewhat clear"). Twenty percent found the upfront cost of purchasing PCV13, lack of insurance coverage, inadequate reimbursement, and difficulty determining vaccination history to be "major barriers" to giving these vaccines. Knowledge of recommendations varied, with 83% identifying the PCV13 recommendation for adults ≥65 and only 21% identifying the recommended interval between PCV13 and PPSV23 in an individual

Vaccination is one of the great achievements of the 20th century, yet persistent public-health problems include inadequate, delayed, and unstable vaccination uptake. Psychology offers three general propositions for understanding and intervening to increase uptake where vaccines are available and affordable. The first proposition is that thoughts and feelings can motivate getting vaccinated. Hundreds of studies have shown that risk beliefs and anticipated regret about infectious disease correlate reliably with getting vaccinated; low confidence in vaccine effectiveness and concern about safety correlate reliably with not getting vaccinated. We were surprised to find that few randomized trials have successfully changed what people think and feel about vaccines, and those few that succeeded were minimally effective in increasing uptake. The second proposition is that social processes can motivate getting vaccinated. Substantial research has shown that social norms are associated with vaccination, but few interventions examined whether normative messages increase vaccination uptake. Many experimental studies have relied on hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate that altruism and free riding (i.e., taking advantage of the protection provided by others) can affect intended behavior, but few randomized trials have tested strategies to change social processes to increase vaccination uptake. The third proposition is that interventions can facilitate vaccination directly by leveraging, but not trying to change, what people think and feel. These interventions are by far the most plentiful and effective in the literature. To increase vaccine uptake, these interventions build on existing favorable intentions by facilitating action (through reminders, prompts, and primes) and reducing barriers (through logistics and healthy defaults); these interventions also shape behavior (through incentives, sanctions, and requirements). Although identification of principles for changing thoughts and feelings to motivate vaccination is a work in progress, psychological principles can now inform the design of systems and policies to directly facilitate action.

Objective The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for female adolescents aged 11 to 12 years, yet vaccination rates remain low. We conducted a qualitative study to understand English- and Spanish-speaking parents' reasons for noninitiation or noncompletion of the HPV vaccine series for their daughters. Methods Parents of female adolescents aged 12 to 15 years who had not initiated or not completed the HPV vaccine series were identified through administrative data in 2 large urban safety net health care systems in Colorado. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with English-speaking parents and in-depth interviews were conducted with Spanish-speaking parents. All data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content by experienced analysts using established qualitative content analysis techniques. Results Forty-one parents participated in the study. Thirty parents participated in individual interviews and 11 parents participated in 1 of 2 focus groups. The most common reasons for noninitiation and noncompletion among English-speaking parents included a low perceived risk of HPV infection, vaccine safety concerns, and distrust of government and/or medicine. In contrast, Spanish-speaking parents most often reported that providers had either not encouraged initiation of the HPV vaccine series or had not explained the necessity of completing the series. Some noninitiating parents, particularly Spanish-speaking ones, also cited concerns that vaccination would encourage sexual activity. Conclusions The reasons for noninitiation and noncompletion of the HPV vaccine series differed substantially between English- and Spanish-speaking parents. To maximize uptake of HPV vaccine, varying approaches might be needed to effectively target specific populations.

Objective Vaccines represent a significant portion of primary care practice expenses. Our objectives were to determine among pediatric (Ped) and family medicine (FM) practices: 1) relative payment for vaccine purchase and administration and estimated profit margin according to payer type, 2) strategies used to reduce vaccine purchase costs and increase payment, and 3) whether practices have stopped providing vaccines because of finances. Methods A national survey conducted from April through September 2011 among Ped and FM practitioners in private, single-specialty practices. Results The response rate was 51% (221 of 430). Depending on payer type, 61% to 79% of practices reported that payment for vaccine purchase was at least 100% of purchase price and 34% to 74% reported that payment for vaccine administration was at least $11. Reported strategies to reduce vaccine purchase cost were online purchasing (81% Ped, 36% FM), prompt pay (78% Ped, 49% FM), and bulk order (65% Ped, 49% FM) discounts. Fewer than half of practices used strategies to increase payment; in a multivariable analysis, practices with ≥5 providers were more likely to use strategies compared with practices with fewer providers (adjusted odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–4.62). When asked if they had stopped purchasing vaccines because of financial concerns, 12% of Ped practices and 23% of FM practices responded ‘yes,' and 24% of Ped and 26% of FM practices responded ‘no, but have seriously considered.' Conclusions Practices report variable payment for vaccination services from different payer types. Practices might benefit from increased use of strategies to reduce vaccine purchase costs and increase payment for vaccine delivery.

Objective Despite relatively high national vaccination coverage for measles, geographic vaccination variation exists resulting in clusters of susceptibility. A portion of this geographic variation can be explained by differences in state policies related to nonmedical vaccine exemptions. The objective of this analysis was to determine the magnitude, likelihood, and cost of a measles outbreak under different nonmedical vaccine exemption policies. Methods An agent-based transmission model simulated the likelihood and magnitude of a measles outbreak under different nonmedical vaccine exemption policies, previously categorized as easy, medium, or difficult. The model accounted for measles herd immunity, infectiousness of the pathogen, vaccine efficacy, duration of incubation and communicable periods, acquired natural immunity, and the rate of recovery. Public health contact tracing was also modeled. Model outcomes, including the number of secondary cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, were monetized to determine the economic burden of the simulated outbreaks. Results A state with easy nonmedical vaccine exemption policies is 140% and 190% more likely to experience a measles outbreak compared with states with medium or difficult policies, respectively. The magnitude of these outbreaks can be reduced by half by strengthening exemption policies. These declines are associated with significant cost reductions to public health, the health care system, and the individual. Conclusions Strengthening nonmedical vaccine exemption policies is 1 mechanism to increase vaccination coverage to reduce the health and economic effect of a measles outbreak. States exploring options for decreasing their vulnerability to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases should consider more stringent requirements for nonmedical vaccine exemptions.

To develop and validate case definitions (computable phenotypes) to accurately identify neurosurgical and critical care events in children with traumatic brain injury.Prospective observational cohort study, May 2013 to September 2015.Two large U.S. children's hospitals with level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers.One hundred seventy-four children less than 18 years old admitted to an ICU after traumatic brain injury.Prospective data were linked to database codes for each patient. The outcomes were prospectively identified acute traumatic brain injury, intracranial pressure monitor placement, craniotomy or craniectomy, vascular catheter placement, invasive mechanical ventilation, and new gastrostomy tube or tracheostomy placement. Candidate predictors were database codes present in administrative, billing, or trauma registry data. For each clinical event, we developed and validated penalized regression and Boolean classifiers (models to identify clinical events that take database codes as predictors). We externally validated the best model for each clinical event. The primary model performance measure was accuracy, the percent of test patients correctly classified. The cohort included 174 children who required ICU admission after traumatic brain injury. Simple Boolean classifiers were greater than or equal to 94% accurate for seven of nine clinical diagnoses and events. For central venous catheter placement, no classifier achieved 90% accuracy. Classifier accuracy was dependent on available data fields. Five of nine classifiers were acceptably accurate using only administrative data but three required trauma registry fields and two required billing data.In children with traumatic brain injury, computable phenotypes based on simple Boolean classifiers were highly accurate for most neurosurgical and critical care diagnoses and events. The computable phenotypes we developed and validated can be used in any observational study of children with traumatic brain injury and can reasonably be applied in studies of these interventions in other patient populations.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended to prevent HPV infections and HPV-associated diseases, including cancers. Routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) since 2006 for females and since 2011 for males (1,2). This report provides recommendations and guidance regarding use of HPV vaccines and updates ACIP HPV vaccination recommendations previously published in 2014 and 2015 (1,2). This report includes new recommendations for use of a 2-dose schedule for girls and boys who initiate the vaccination series at ages 9 through 14 years. Three doses remain recommended for persons who initiate the vaccination series at ages 15 through 26 years and for immunocompromised persons.

Daily controller therapy is a mainstay of asthma treatment (1), however adherence to asthma medications is problematic (2). Traditional methods of measuring adherence do not provide day-to-day obje...

Introduction This study assesses the following among primary care physicians: (1) the use of evidence-based strategies to improve adult vaccination rates, (2) the number of strategies employed simultaneously, and (3) characteristics associated with assessing adult vaccinations at each visit. Methods An internet and mail survey was administered between December 2015 and January 2016 on primary care physicians designed to be representative of the American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians memberships. Data analysis was conducted in 2019. Results The response rate was 66% (617 of 935); 94% reported using electronic health records. Standing orders (84%) and electronic provider reminders at a visit (61%) were the most common strategies reported for influenza vaccine. Electronic provider reminders at a visit (53%) and recording a vaccination in an immunization registry (32%) were the most common strategies reported for all noninfluenza vaccines. Most physicians reported using 2 or more strategies, although this was more common for influenza (74%) than for noninfluenza (62%) vaccines. In multivariable analysis, physicians who reported assessing adult vaccinations at every patient visit were more likely to work in practices where decisions about purchasing and handling vaccines were made at a larger system level (RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.04,1.40), and they reported using electronic provider reminders (RR=1.38, 95% CI=1.15, 1.69) and standing orders (RR=1.45, 95% CI=1.21, 1.75) for all noninfluenza adult vaccines. Conclusions Several strategies are being used to increase adult vaccination, particularly for the influenza vaccine. Investment in implementing standing orders and electronic clinical decision support for all routine adult vaccinations could help facilitate assessment of adult vaccinations at each visit and potentially improve adult vaccination rates.

This study characterizes the percentage of pediatric patients undergoing liver transplant who were up to date for their age on immunizations at the time of transplant and risk factors for underimmunization.

Objective To evaluate the effect of different modalities of centralized reminder/recall (autodialer, text, mailed reminders) on increasing childhood influenza vaccination. Study design Two simultaneous randomized clinical trials conducted from October 2017 to April 1, 2018, in New York State and Colorado. There were 61 931 children in New York (136 practices) and 23 845 children in Colorado (42 practices) who were randomized to different centralized reminder/recall modalities—4 arms in New York (autodialer, text, mailed, and no reminder control) and 3 arms in Colorado (autodialer, mailed, and no reminder control). The message content was similar across modalities. Up to 3 reminders were sent for intervention arms. The main outcome measure was receipt of ≥1 influenza vaccine. Results In New York, compared with the control arm (26.6%), postintervention influenza vaccination rates in the autodialer arm (28.0%) were 1.4 percentage points higher (adjusted risk ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10), but the rates for text (27.6%) and mail (26.8%) arms were not different from controls. In Colorado, compared with the control arm (29.9%), postintervention influenza vaccination rates for the autodialer (32.9%) and mail (31.5%) arms were 3.0 percentage points (adjusted risk ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12) and 1.6 percentage points (adjusted risk ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10) higher, respectively. Compared with the control arm, the incremental cost per additional vaccine delivered was $20 (New York) and $16 (Colorado) for autodialer messages. Conclusions Centralized reminder/recall for childhood influenza vaccine was most effective via autodialer, less effective via mail, and not effective via text messages. The impact of each modality was modest. Compared with no reminders, the incremental cost per additional vaccine delivered was also modest for autodialer messages. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03294473 and NCT03246100 .

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To examine, among pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) (1) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivery practices, (2) delivery experiences, and (3) attitudes regarding new 2-dose HPV vaccination schedules. METHODS: We surveyed nationally representative networks of pediatricians and FPs by Internet or mail from July 2018 to September 2018. Multivariable regression was used to assess factors associated with refusal or deferral rates of ≥50% among 11- to 12-year-old patients. RESULTS: The response rate was 65% (302 pediatricians and 228 FPs included). Pediatricians who strongly recommended the HPV vaccine ranged from 99% for patients ≥15 years old (female) to 83% for those 11 to 12 years old (male); FPs ranged from 90% for patients ≥15 years old (female) to 66% for those 11 to 12 years old (male) (P < .0001 between specialties). Sixty-five percent of pediatricians and 42% of FPs always or almost always used presumptive style when discussing the HPV vaccine (P < .0001). Overall, 40% used standing orders and 42% had electronic alerts. Among pediatricians, the proportion reporting a refusal or deferral rate ≥50% was 19% for female patients and 23% for male patients 11 to 12 years old; FPs reported 27% and 36%, respectively. In the multivariable regression (both sexes), refusal or deferral was associated with physicians not strongly recommending the HPV vaccine to 11- to 12-year-old patients, not using a presumptive style, perceiving less resistance when introducing the HPV vaccine to a 13-year-old patient versus an 11- or 12-year-old patient, and anticipating an uncomfortable conversation when recommending the HPV vaccine to an 11- or 12-year-old patient. Eighty-nine percent of pediatricians and 79% of FPs reported that more adolescents CONCLUSIONS: Although most physicians strongly recommend the HPV vaccine to 11- to 12-year-old patients, our data reveal areas for improvement in recommendation and delivery methods. Most physicians perceive that the 2-dose schedule is resulting in higher HPV completion rates.

Objective Centralized reminder/recall (C-R/R) by health departments using Immunization Information Systems (IIS) is more effective and cost-effective than practice-based approaches for increasing childhood vaccines but has not been studied for influenza vaccination. We assessed effectiveness and cost of C-R/R for increasing childhood influenza vaccination compared with usual care. Methods Within Colorado (CO) and New York (NY), random samples of primary care practices (pediatric, family medicine, health center) were selected proportionate to where children are served– 65 practices (N=54,353 children) in CO; 101 practices (N=65,777) in NY. We conducted 4-arm RCTs per state (1, 2 or 3 autodial reminders versus usual care), with randomization at the patient level within practices from 10/2016-1/2017. Results In CO, the maximum absolute difference in receipt of ≥1 influenza vaccine was 1.7% between the 2 R/R group and control [adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 1.06 (1.01, 1.10)]; other R/R arms did not differ significantly. In NY, ARRs for the study arms versus control varied from 1.05 (1.01, 1.10) for 3 R/R to 1.06 (1.01, 1.11) for 1-2 R/R groups and maximum absolute increase in vaccination was 0.6%. In time-to-event analyses, study arm was a significant predictor of vaccination in CO (p=.001) but not in NY. Costs/child randomized to one message were $.17 in CO and $.23 in NY. Conclusions C-R/R for influenza vaccine using autodial had low-level effects on increasing influenza rates in 2 states. Given the feasibility and low cost of C-R/R in previous trials, its utility for influenza should be re-examined using different modalities.

Objective To derive and validate a model of risk of septic shock among children with suspected sepsis, using data known in the electronic health record at hospital arrival. Study design This observational cohort study at 6 pediatric emergency department and urgent care sites used a training dataset (5 sites, April 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016), a temporal test set (5 sites, January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018), and a geographic test set (a sixth site, April 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018). Patients 60 days to 18 years of age in whom clinicians suspected sepsis were included; patients with septic shock on arrival were excluded. The outcome, septic shock, was systolic hypotension with vasoactive medication or ≥30 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid within 24 hours of arrival. Elastic net regularization, a penalized regression technique, was used to develop a model in the training set. Results Of 2464 included visits, septic shock occurred in 282 (11.4%). The model had an area under the curve of 0.79 (0.76-0.83) in the training set, 0.75 (0.69-0.81) in the temporal test set, and 0.87 (0.73-1.00) in the geographic test set. With a threshold set to 90% sensitivity in the training set, the model yielded 82% (72%-90%) sensitivity and 48% (44%-52%) specificity in the temporal test set, and 90% (55%-100%) sensitivity and 32% (21%-46%) specificity in the geographic test set. Conclusions This model estimated the risk of septic shock in children at hospital arrival earlier than existing models. It leveraged the predictive value of routine electronic health record data through a modern predictive algorithm and has the potential to enhance clinical risk stratification in the critical moments before deterioration.

Readmissions are an important quality measure for public reporting, payment, and collaborative research. Lack of measure standardization may lead to inconsistent reporting of outcomes across study sites. In this study, we examined the impact of measurement variability on reporting of a single readmission metric, 30-day all-condition readmission rates (ARRs). We conducted a secondary database analysis of 2006-2008 Medicaid Analytic eXtract data merged from four states of children younger than 21 years. We calculated 30-day ARRs for this cohort using three previously described models varying in their inclusions and exclusions of index hospitalizations and readmissions. The 30-day ARR was highest for the model allowing each readmission to serve as an index admission for subsequent readmissions (ARR: 7%); intermediate for the model allowing one index admission and more than one readmissions in each 30-day period (ARR: 6.2%); and lowest for the model allowing only one readmission in each 30-day period (ARR: 5.6%). Similar variation was seen when stratifying patients by individual diagnostic groups. In conclusion, measurement variability impacts reported outcomes of a single readmission metric. To improve the value of readmission as a quality metric, stakeholders engaged in multisite quality improvement or research should ensure that definitions are standardized across sites.

Zoster vaccine live (ZVL [Zostavax]) has been recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) among immunocompetent adults ≥60 years in the United States since 2008. To examine changes in healthcare providers’ perceptions and practices related to HZ disease and vaccination, we administered surveys to national networks of primary care physicians in 2005, 2008, and 2016. Ten years after ZVL was first licensed, physicians were more likely to respond that they perceived HZ as a serious disease and more strongly recommended ZVL, and were less likely to report less likely to report several major barriers to HZ vaccination such as patient cost, vaccine effectiveness and competing medical concerns. Overall, physician attitudes appear to be more favorable towards zoster vaccination after a decade of availability of a HZ vaccine. The new recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV [Shingrix]) may benefit from physician’s increased perception of the importance of HZ and HZ vaccination.

Objective Millions of infants worldwide remain under-immunized and at risk for unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Text messaging may offer a low-cost solution. We aimed to evaluate text message reminders to improve infant immunization in Guatemala. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted at four public health clinics in rural and urban Guatemala. Infants ages six weeks to six months presenting for the first visit of the primary immunization series were randomly and equally allocated to an intervention or usual care group. Intervention participants were sent three text reminders before the second and third vaccine visits. The main outcome was timeliness of the second and third visits of the primary immunization series. Results Of 1088 families approached for enrollment between March to November 2016, 871 were eligible and 720 (82.7%) participated; only 54 families did not own a cell phone. Due to country-wide vaccine shortages, visit completion was used as a proxy for overall immunization coverage. In intention to treat analysis, both intervention and usual care groups had high rates of visit completion, but intervention participants presented on the scheduled date more often (151 [42.2%] of 358 intervention vs. 111 [30.7%] of 362 usual care participants for visit 2, p = 0.001, and 112 [34.0%] of 329 intervention vs. 90 [27.0%] of 333 usual care participants for visit 3, p = 0.05). Intervention caregivers were significantly more likely to want to receive future text message reminders for vaccines and other appointments and were more willing to pay for these reminders. Conclusion Caregivers who were sent text message reminders in urban and rural Guatemala were less delayed for their child’s immunization visits and reported high user satisfaction. Text message reminders may be an effective tool to increase infant vaccination coverage in low-income settings by reminding parents to vaccinate. Trial Registration: NCT02567006 at clinicaltrials.gov .

Objectives To evaluate among pediatricians and family physicians human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination recommendation practices for 11- to 12-year-old youth; report parental refusal/deferral of HPV vaccination; and report barriers to HPV vaccination changed over time. Study design We surveyed nationally representative networks of pediatricians and family physicians in 2008, 2010, 2013-2014, and 2018. Male vaccination questions were not asked in 2008; barriers and parental vaccine refusal questions were not asked in 2010. Results Response rates were 80% in 2008 (680/848), 72% in 2010 (609/842), 70% in 2013-2014 (582/829), and 65% in 2018 (588/908). The proportion of physicians strongly recommending HPV vaccination for 11- to 12-year-old patients increased from 53% in 2008 to 79% in 2018 for female patients and from 48% in 2014 to 76% in 2018 for male patients (both P Conclusions Between 2008 and 2018, more primary care physicians reported recommending HPV vaccination for adolescents, fewer reported barriers, and more physicians reported parents who had vaccine safety or moral/religious concerns.

This study assesses the association of social distancing due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with immunizations administered by age category (0-2 years, 3-9 years, and 10-17 years) in Colorado.

Background Financial barriers to adult vaccination are poorly understood. Our objectives were to assess among general internists (GIM) and family physicians (FP) shortly after Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation: (1) proportion of adult patients deferring or refusing vaccines because of cost and frequency of physicians not recommending vaccines for financial reasons; (2) satisfaction with reimbursement for vaccine purchase and administration by payer type; (3) knowledge of Medicare coverage of vaccines; and (4) awareness of vaccine-specific provisions of the ACA. Methods We administered an Internet and mail survey from June to October 2013 to national networks of 438 GIMs and 401 FPs. Results Response rates were 72% (317/438) for GIM and 59% (236/401) for FP. Among physicians who routinely recommended vaccines, up to 24% of GIM and 30% of FP reported adult patients defer or refuse certain vaccines for financial reasons most of the time. Physicians reported not recommending vaccines because they thought the patient’s insurance would not cover it (35%) or the patient could be vaccinated more affordably elsewhere (38%). Among physicians who saw patients with this insurance, dissatisfaction (‘very dissatisfied’) was highest for payments received from Medicaid (16% vaccine purchase, 14% vaccine administration) and Medicare Part B (11% vaccine purchase, 11% vaccine administration). Depending on the vaccine, 36–71% reported not knowing how Medicare covered the vaccine. Thirty-seven percent were ‘not at all aware’ and 19% were ‘a little aware’ of vaccine-specific provisions of the ACA. Conclusions Patients are refusing and physicians are not recommending adult vaccinations for financial reasons. Increased knowledge of private and public insurance coverage for adult vaccinations might position physicians to be more likely to recommend vaccines and better enable them to refer patients to other vaccine providers when a particular vaccine or vaccines are not offered in the practice.

Objectives:In children with traumatic brain injury, 1) to describe the hospital discharge functional outcome and change from baseline function using the Functional Status Scale and 2) to determine any associations between discharge Functional Status Scale and age, injury mechanism, neurologic examin

Highlights • A novel SMS vaccine reminder platform was created in a LMIC. • SMS vaccine reminders were proven feasible to implement in a LMIC. • SMS vaccine reminders were acceptable to use in a LMIC with high user satisfaction. • SMS vaccine reminders have the potential for widespread scalability at low cost., Background Patient reminder systems are an evidence-based way to improve childhood vaccination rates but are difficult to implement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Short Message Service (SMS) texts may offer a potential low-cost solution, especially in LMICs where mobile phones are becoming more ubiquitous. Objective To determine if an SMS-based vaccination reminder system aimed at improving completion of the infant primary immunization series is feasible and acceptable in Guatemala. Methods A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted at two public health clinics in Guatemala City. Infants aged 8–14 weeks presenting for the first dose of the primary immunization series were enrolled in March–April 2013. Participants randomized into the intervention received three SMS reminders one week before the second and third dose. A follow-up acceptability survey was administered to both groups. Results The participation rate was 86.8% (321/370); 8 did not own a cell phone and 12 could not use SMS. 96.9% of intervention parents were sent at least one SMS reminder prior to visit 2 and 96.3% prior to visit 3. Both intervention and usual care participants had high rates of vaccine and visit completion, with a non-statistically significant higher percentage of children in the intervention completing both visit 2 (95.0% vs. 90.1%, p = .12) and visit 3 (84.4% vs. 80.7%, p = .69). More intervention vs. usual care parents agreed that SMS reminders would be helpful for remembering appointments (p

Objective Preventive health services are underutilized by US adolescents, especially those from low-income populations. School-based health centers (SBHCs) have been endorsed as primary medical homes for adolescents. This study was undertaken to determine how adolescent SBHC users and their parents perceive SBHCs, particularly whether SBHCs fulfill each of the elements of a medical home as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Methods Middle and high school adolescents who had been enrolled in a SBHC in a major metropolitan school district for a minimum of 1 year were interviewed about their perceptions of and experiences with SBHCs. English- and Spanish-speaking parents of SBHC-enrolled adolescents also participated in focus groups on this topic. Results Four focus groups with parents (n = 30) and 62 interviews with adolescents were completed. Both adolescents and parents indicated satisfaction with the quality and utilization of SBHC services, reporting that SBHCs were highly accessible and family centered. Many students preferred to access care at their SBHC instead of their primary care practice because of the convenience, perceived trustworthiness, compassion, and high quality of care at the SBHC. A few parents reported unmet medical needs from their adolescent's SBHC, and some differences emerged between English- and Spanish-speaking parents. Conclusions Adolescents' and parents' perceptions of care received at these SBHCs are consistent with features of the medical home model. These findings suggest that SBHCs can provide coordinated, compassionate care to students in a large, urban school system and may be perceived as more accessible than traditional primary care settings.

Objectives. We described the following among U.S. primary care physicians: ( 1) perceived importance of vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices relative to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) preventive services, ( 2) attitudes toward the U.S. adult immunization schedule, and ( 3) awareness and use of Medicare preventive service visits. Methods. We conducted an Internet and mail survey from March to June 2012 among national networks of general internists and family physicians. Results. We received responses from 352 of 445 (79%) general internists and 255 of 409 (62%) family physicians. For a 67-year-old hypothetical patient, 540/606 (89%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 87, 92) of physicians ranked seasonal influenza vaccine and 487/607 (80%, 95% CI 77, 83) ranked pneumococcal vaccine as very important, whereas 381/604 (63%, 95% CI 59, 67) ranked Tdap/Td vaccine and 288/607 (47%, 95% CI 43, 51) ranked herpes zoster vaccine as very important ( pConclusions. Despite lack of prioritization of vaccines by ACIP, physicians are prioritizing some vaccines over others and ranking some vaccines below other preventive services. These attitudes and confusion about the immunization schedule may result in missed opportunities for vaccination. Medicare preventive visits are not being used widely despite offering a venue for delivery of preventive services, including vaccinations.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults; however, little is known about how primary care physicians can communicate effectively with patients about influenza vaccination. OBJECTIVE: To assess among general internal medicine (GIM) and family physicians (FP) regarding adult influenza vaccination: (1) recommendation and administration practices, (2) barriers to discussing and perceived reasons for patient refusal, and (3) factors associated with physician self-efficacy in convincing patients to be vaccinated. DESIGN: Email and mail survey conducted in February–March 2017 PARTICIPANTS: Nationally representative sample of GIM and FP MAIN MEASURES: Factor analysis was used to group similar items for multivariable analysis of barriers and strategies associated with high physician self-efficacy about convincing patients to be vaccinated (defined as disagreeing that they could do nothing to change resistant patients’ minds). KEY RESULTS: Response rate was 67% (620/930). Ninety-eight percent always/almost always recommended influenza vaccine to adults ≥ 65 years, 90% for adults 50–64 years, and 75% for adults 19–49 years. Standing orders (76%) and electronic alerts (64%) were the most commonly used practice-based immunization strategies. Frequently reported barriers to discussing vaccination were other health issues taking precedence (41%), time (29%), and feeling they were unlikely to change patients’ minds (24%). Fifty-eight percent of physicians reported high self-efficacy about convincing patients to be vaccinated; these providers reported fewer patient belief barriers contributing to vaccine refusal (RR = 0.93 per item; 95% CI (0.89–0.98); Cronbach’s α = 0.70), were more likely to report using both fact- (1.08/item; (1.03–1.14); 0.66) and personal experience–based (1.07/item; (1.003–1.15); 0.65) communication strategies, and were more likely to work in practices using patient reminders for influenza vaccine (1.32; (1.16–1.50)). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians identified barriers to successfully communicating about adult influenza vaccination but few effective strategies to counter them. Interventions to promote self-efficacy in communication and under-utilized practice-based immunization strategies are needed. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s11606-019-05164-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Importance Pediatric transplant recipients are at risk for vaccine-preventable infections owing to immunosuppression, suboptimal response to vaccines before and after transplant, and potential underimmunization if transplant occurred early in life. However, the incidence and burden of illness from vaccine-preventable infections in this population is unknown. Objectives To evaluate in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients the number of hospitalizations for vaccine-preventable infections in the first 5 years after transplant and to determine the associated morbidity, mortality, and costs. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2011, with 5 years of follow-up per participant (unless they died during the study period). The participants of this multicenter study through the Pediatric Health Information System were solid organ transplant recipients who were younger than 18 years at the time of transplant. Analysis began in July 2017. Exposures Transplant. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospitalizations for a vaccine-preventable infection during the first 5 years after transplant were ascertained usingInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, andInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, clinical modification diagnosis codes. Data were collected on clinical care, outcomes, and costs during these hospitalizations. Results Of 6980 transplant recipients identified, there were 3819 boys (54.7%), and the mean (SD) age at transplant was 8 (6.2) years. Overall, 1092 patients (15.6%) had a total of 1471 cases of vaccine-preventable infections. There were 187 of 1471 cases (12.7%) that occurred during transplant hospitalization. The case fatality rate was 1.7% for all infections. Excluding infections that occurred during transplant hospitalization (when all patients go to the intensive care unit), 213 of 1257 patients (17.0%) were hospitalized with a vaccine-preventable infection requiring intensive care. In multivariable analysis, age younger than 2 years at time of transplant and receipt of a lung, heart, intestine, or multivisceral organ were positively associated with increased risk of a hospitalization from a vaccine-preventable infection.Transplant hospitalizations complicated by vaccine-preventable infections were $120 498 more expensive (median cost) than transplant hospitalizations not complicated by vaccine-preventable infections. Conclusions and Relevance Hospitalization for vaccine-preventable infections occurred in more than 15% of solid organ transplant recipients in the first 5 years after transplant at a rate of up to 87 times higher than in the general population. There was significant morbidity, mortality, and costs from these infections, demonstrating the importance of immunizing all transplant candidates and recipients. Further research on improving immunization delivery, preventing nosocomial infections, and monitoring response to vaccines in the transplant population is needed.

Summary Introduction Although there are significant demographic and clinical variations in treatment decisions for infants with high-grade hydronephrosis concerning for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), there has been little research on the roles of parents and surgeons in the surgical decision-making (DM) process. Objective The purpose of this study was to understand parents' and surgeons' perceived roles in the surgical DM process for infants with high-grade hydronephrosis. Study design Semistructured interviews were conducted with pediatric urologists from three regionally diverse tertiary referral sites and parents of infants diagnosed and treated for unilateral Society for Fetal Urology grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis at one tertiary pediatric urology practice. Purposive sampling was used to ensure adequate representation of parents based on treatment choice, patient gender, race/ethnicity, and distance from the practice. Survey domains included (1) discussions about diagnosis and treatment options, (2) factors guiding treatment choice, and (3) participants' role in the DM process. Transcribed data and field notes were analyzed using a team-based, inductive grounded theory qualitative approach. Results Thirteen physicians and 32 parents were interviewed between November 2016 and November 2017. Parents and surgeons agreed that the surgeon was best equipped to guide treatment decisions because of their clinical knowledge and experience. Parents reported that their trust in the surgeon was the primary factor in their decisions. Surgeons reported tailoring discussions with parents to not only educate them about treatment options but also to develop an ongoing relationship with parents. Both parents and surgeons reported being satisfied with their roles in the DM process. Discussion This study suggests that parental trust in the surgeon and surgeon recommendations drive DM. This may be due to a lack of explicit discussion of options or of parental values and preferences for care. Limited discussions may also impact parental understanding of risks and potential complications. These findings are similar to those of prior studies in adults and children considering elective surgery. Conclusions In this study, parents and surgeons reported that surgeon recommendations, rather than parent preferences, guide treatment choices for infants with suspected UPJO. Both parents and surgeons are satisfied with a physician-driven approach to DM, suggesting that, in situations where the perceived risk is low and parental knowledge is limited, parents may find a physician-led approach beneficial. Data gleaned from this study will be used to inform future quantitative studies evaluating factors guiding surgeon recommendations for treatment and their associations with underlying treatment variation. Download : Download high-res image (155KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Fig. .

Our objectives were to assess 1) effectiveness of using Colorado's Immunization Information System (CIIS) to send out vaccine reminder/recalls (R/Rs) centrally vs. usual care for adult vaccine delivery within an accountable care organization (ACO) and 2) practice staff's perception of centralized R/R. From 9/2016 to 4/2017, we conducted a randomized controlled trial among adults enrolled in a Medicaid ACO at six healthcare entities. Adults were divided into two strata: 15,153 age 19–64 and 616 age 65+. Adults age 19–64 who needed influenza and/or Tdap vaccine, and adults age 65+ who needed influenza, and/or Tdap, and/or a pneumococcal vaccine were randomized to receive up to 3 R/Rs by autodialed telephone and mail or usual care. Documentation of receipt of any needed vaccines in CIIS within six months was the primary outcome. We assessed intervention effectiveness using mixed effect logistic regression. Thirteen semi-structured exit interviews were conducted with staff from each healthcare entity. The intervention was not associated with the primary outcome for the age 19–64 population [OR 1.06 (95% CI 0.98–1.15)] or age 65+ population [(OR 0.96 (0.69–1.32)]. Practice staff perceived the intervention to be beneficial and not burdensome. Perceived barriers included lack of availability of appointments and adults receiving only influenza vaccine when other vaccines were needed. In conclusion, centralized R/R was not effective at improving adult vaccination rates in a Medicaid ACO. Future studies should consider better harmonizing vaccine centralized R/Rs with vaccine delivery efforts within the practice setting.Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT02133391. Keywords: Vaccination, Adult, Clinical trial, Influenza vaccines, Pneumococcal vaccines, Pertussis vaccine, Accountable care organization

Background The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has routinely recommended zoster vaccine live (ZVL) for adults ≥60 since 2008; only 33% of eligible adults received it by 2016. A recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was licensed in 2017 and ACIP recommended in January 2018. Our objectives were to assess among primary care physicians (1) practices and attitudes regarding ZVL and (2) awareness of RZV. Methods We administered an Internet and mail survey from July to September 2016 to national networks of 953 primary care physicians. Results Response rate was 65% (603/923). Ninety-three % of physicians recommended ZVL to adults ≥60, but fewer recommended it to adults ≥60 with a prior history of zoster (88%), adults > 85 (62%) and adults ≥60 on low-dose methotrexate (42%). Several physicians recommended ZVL in ways that are not recommended by ACIP including to adults 50–59 (50%), adults ≥60 with HIV (33%), and adults ≥60 on high dose prednisone (≥20 mg/day) (27%). Nineteen percent of physicians stocked and administered ZVL and did not refer patients elsewhere for vaccination, 37% did not stock and only referred patients to receive it, and 44% both stocked/administered and referred elsewhere. Twenty-three % (n = 115) of physicians who had ever administered ZVL in the office (n = 490) had stopped, citing primarily financial issues (90%). Only 5% were ‘very aware’ of RZV. Conclusions Physicians report not recommending ZVL to certain ACIP-recommended groups, but report recommending it to some groups for which the vaccine should be avoided. Implementation of recommendations for RZV will need to consider financial barriers and the complex patchwork of office-based and pharmacy delivery ZVL has encountered.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that 16- to 23-year-olds may be vaccinated with the serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine on the basis of individual clinical decision-making (Category B). We assessed the following among US pediatricians and family physicians (FPs): (1) practices regarding MenB vaccine delivery, (2) factors influencing a decision to recommend the MenB vaccine, and (3) factors associated with discussing the MenB vaccine. METHODS: We surveyed a nationally representative sample of pediatricians and FPs via e-mail and Internet from October 2016 to December 2016. RESULTS: The response rate was 72% (660 of 916). During routine visits, 51% of pediatricians and 31% of FPs reported always or often discussing MenB vaccine. Among those who discussed often or always, 91% recommended vaccination; among those who never or rarely discussed, 11% recommended. We found that 73% of pediatricians and 41% of FPs currently administered the MenB vaccine. Although many providers reported not knowing about factors influencing recommendation decisions, MenB disease outbreaks (89%), disease incidence (62%), and effectiveness (52%), safety (48%), and duration of protection of MenB vaccine (39%) increased the likelihood of recommendation, whereas the Category B recommendation (45%) decreased likelihood. Those somewhat or not at all aware of the MenB vaccine (risk ratio 0.32 [95% confidence interval 0.25–0.41]) and those practicing in a health maintenance organization (0.39 [0.18–0.87]) were less likely, whereas those aware of disease outbreaks in their state (1.25 [1.08–1.45]) were more likely to discuss MenB vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians have significant gaps in knowledge about MenB disease and the MenB vaccine, and this appears to be a major driver of the decision not to discuss the vaccines.

OBJECTIVES To assess among US physicians (1) frequency of requests to spread out recommended vaccination schedule for children METHODS An e-mail and mail survey of a nationally representative sample of pediatricians and family physicians from June 2012 through October 2012. RESULTS The response rate was 66% (534 of 815). In a typical month, 93% reported some parents of children CONCLUSIONS Virtually all providers encounter requests to spread out vaccines in a typical month and, despite concerns, most are agreeing to do so. Providers are using many strategies in response but think few are effective. Evidence-based interventions to increase timely immunization are needed to guide primary care and public health practice.

BACKGROUND All 50 United States implemented newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) by 2010. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends over the decade when NBS became universal to determine current rates of malnutrition, stunting, and infection rates in U.S. infants with CF. METHODS Annual data were obtained on infants with CF up to 24 months of age diagnosed between 2001 and 2010 in the CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR), in both the years of and after diagnosis, including method of diagnosis, demographics, and growth parameters and microbiology. RESULTS Data were obtained on 8178 infants diagnosed with CF. The percentage of infants diagnosed by NBS increased from 15% in 2001-83% in 2012 (P

Background Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across the age spectrum; candidate vaccines are in clinical trials. While norovirus diagnostic testing is increasingly available, stool testing may not be performed routinely, which can hamper surveillance and burden of disease estimates. Our objectives were to understand physicians’ stool testing practices in outpatients with AGE, and physician knowledge of norovirus, in order to improve surveillance and prepare for vaccine introduction. Methods Internet and mail survey on AGE and norovirus conducted January to March 2018 among national networks of primary care pediatricians (Peds), family practice (FP) and general internal medicine (GIM) physicians. Results The response rate was 59% (820/1,383). During peak AGE season, physicians estimated they ordered stool tests for a median of 15% (interquartile range: 5–33%) of their outpatients with AGE. Stool tests were more often available for ova and parasites, Clostridioides difficile, and bacterial culture (>95% for all specialties) than for norovirus (6–33% across specialties); even when available, norovirus-specific tests were infrequently ordered. Most providers were unaware that norovirus is a leading cause of AGE across all age groups (Peds 80%, FP 86%, GIM 89%) or that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus (Peds 51%, FP 66%, GIM 62%). Conclusion Physicians infrequently order stool tests for outpatients with AGE, and have knowledge gaps on norovirus prevalence and hand hygiene for prevention. Understanding the limitations of surveillance that relies on physician-ordered stool diagnostics, and closing physician knowledge gaps, can help support norovirus vaccine introduction. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Objective To assess among providers in 7 Colorado counties where a collaborative centralized reminder/recall (CC-R/R) using the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) was performed: 1) preferences about CC-R/R conducted by the public health department (PHD); 2) preferences for future CC-R/R for different vaccines with and without practice names; and 3) experiences with including their name on CC-R/R notices. Methods A mailed survey was sent to all primary care sites where CC-R/R had been previously conducted. Respondents self-identified as the "the person in charge of immunization policy within the practice." Results Overall response rate was 69.9% (160 of 229). Twenty-one were removed because they did not provide immunizations to children. Among respondents, 65.0% were from family medicine and 26.3% from pediatric practices; 32.1% physicians or midlevel providers; 34.3% nurses or medical assistants; and 33.6% office managers. Taking into account all issues, 57.6% were "okay" with either the PHD or their practice conducting recall; 27.3% preferred the PHD; and 14.4% preferred their practice conduct R/R. Fifty-six percent of active CIIS practices (n = 95) included their practice's name on CC-R/R notices. Interest in future CC-R/R for different ages and vaccines was strongly related to whether reminders included the practice name: 77.8% for routine immunizations in 4- to 6-year-olds; 74.8% for immunizations for 0- to 3-year-olds; 73.3% for vaccines administered to adolescents; and 59.7% for influenza ( P Conclusions Most practices are accepting of the PHD centrally conducting R/R, but most prefer collaboration that includes their name. Given the success and support of this method, it should be more widely adopted.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and cost of bidirectional short messaging service in increasing rates of vaccination and well child care (WCC) among adolescents. METHODS: We included all adolescents needing a recommended adolescent vaccine (n = 4587) whose parents had a cell-phone number in 5 private and 2 safety-net pediatric practices. Adolescents were randomized to intervention (n = 2228) or control (n = 2359). Parents in the intervention group received up to 3 personalized short messaging services with response options 1 (clinic will call to schedule), 2 (parent will call clinic), or STOP (no further short messaging service). Primary outcomes included completion of all needed services, WCC only, all needed vaccinations, any vaccination, and missed opportunity for vaccination. RESULTS: Intervention patients were more likely to complete all needed services (risk ratio [RR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.53), all needed vaccinations (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12–1.50), and any vaccination (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20–1.54). Seventy-five percent of control patients had a missed opportunity versus 69% of intervention (P = .002). There was not a significant difference for WCC visits. Responding that the clinic should call to schedule (“1”) was associated with the highest effect size for completion of all needed services (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.41–2.54). Net cost ranged from $855 to $3394 per practice. CONCLUSIONS: Bidirectional short messaging service to parents was effective at improving rates for all adolescent vaccinations and for all needed services, especially among parents who responded they desired a call from the practice.

Background: Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are useful in practice-based research network translational research. However, simple or stratified randomization often yields study groups that differ on key baseline variables when the number of clusters is small. Unbalanced study arms constitute a potentially serious methodological problem for CRTs. Methods: Covariate constrained randomization with data on relevant variables before randomization was used to achieve balanced study arms in 2 pragmatic CRTs. In study 1, 16 counties in Colorado were randomized to practice-based or population-based reminder recall for vaccinating children ages 19 to 35 months. In study 2, 18 primary care practices were randomized to computer decision support plus practice facilitation versus computer decision support alone to improve care for patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. For each study, a set of optimal randomizations, which minimized differences of key variables between study arms, was identified from the set of all possible randomizations. Results: Differences between study arms were smaller in the optimal versus remaining randomizations. Even for the randomization in the optimal set with the largest difference between groups, study arms did not differ significantly on any variable for either study (P > .05). Conclusions: Covariate constrained randomization, which restricts the full randomization set to a subset in which differences between study arms are minimized, is a useful tool for achieving balanced study arms in CRTs. Because of the increasing recognition of the risk of imbalance in CRTs and implications for interpreting study findings, procedures of this type should be considered in designing practice-based or community-based trials.

The most common measurements of hydronephrosis are the anterior–posterior (AP) diameter and the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading systems. To date, the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of these measures has not been compared in the postnatal period. The objectives of this study were to compare the IRR of the AP diameter and the SFU grading system in infants and to determine whether ultrasound findings other than pelvicalyceal dilation are associated with higher SFU grades. Initial postnatal ultrasounds of infants seen from February 1, 2011, to January 31, 2012, with a primary diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis were included for review. Ultrasound images were de-identified and reviewed by four pediatric urologists. IRR was calculated using the intraclass correlation (ICC) measure. A paired t test was used to compare ICCs. Associations between SFU grade and other ultrasound findings were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. A total of 112 kidneys in 56 patients were reviewed. IRR of the SFU grading system was high (right kidney ICC = 0.83, left kidney ICC = 0.85); however, IRR of AP diameter measurement was higher (right kidney ICC = 00.97, left kidney ICC = 0.98; p

Background and Objectives Outpatient pediatric polypharmacy is poorly characterized. Identification of at-risk populations has clinical implications for pharmacy case management programs. We described the degree of exposure to polypharmacy using parameters of depth (concurrent medication count) and duration, reported commonly dispensed medications and exposure to three example potential drug–drug interactions by different depths of polypharmacy, and determined patient characteristics associated with exposure to increased degrees (a function of depth and duration) of polypharmacy. Methods Retrospective cohort study of Colorado fee-for-service Medicaid patients aged

Our objectives were to: (1) delineate factors associated with surgery at

Objectives To assess and compare among parents of healthy children in urban and rural areas: (1) reported influenza vaccination status; (2) attitudes regarding influenza vaccination; and (3) attitudes about collaborative models for influenza vaccination delivery involving practices and public health departments. Methods A mail survey to random samples of parents from 2 urban and 2 rural private practices in Colorado from April 2012 to June 2012. Results The response rate was 58% (288/500). In the prior season, 63% of urban and 41% of rural parents reported their child received influenza vaccination (P < .001). No differences in attitudes about influenza infection or vaccination between urban and rural parents were found, with 75% of urban and 73% of rural parents agreeing their child should receive an influenza vaccine every year (P = .71). High proportions reported willingness to participate in a collaborative clinic in a community setting (59% urban, 70% rural, P = .05) or at their child's provider (73% urban, 73% rural, P = .99) with public health department assisting. Fewer (36% urban, 53% rural, P < .01) were likely to go to the public health department if referred by their provider. Rural parents were more willing for their child to receive vaccination outside of their provider's office (70% vs. 55%, P = .01). Conclusions While attitudes regarding influenza vaccination were similar, rural children were much less likely to have received vaccination. Most parents were amenable to collaborative models of influenza vaccination delivery, but rural parents were more comfortable with influenza vaccination outside their provider's office, suggesting that other venues for influenza vaccination in rural settings should be promoted.

Objective: To assess, among parents of predominantly minority, low-income adolescent girls who had either not initiated (NI) or not completed (NC) the HPV vaccine series, attitudes and other factors important in promoting the series, and whether attitudes differed by language preference. Design/Methods: From August 2013–October 2013, we conducted a mail survey among parents of girls aged 12–15 years randomly selected from administrative data in a Denver safety net system; 400 parents from each group (NI and NC) were targeted. Surveys were in English or Spanish. Results: The response rate was 37% (244/660; 140 moved or gone elsewhere; 66% English-speaking, 34% Spanish-speaking). Safety attitudes of NIs and NCs differed, with 40% NIs vs. 14% NC’s reporting they thought HPV vaccine was unsafe (p < 0.0001) and 43% NIs vs. 21% NCs that it may cause long-term health problems (p < 0.001). Among NCs, 42% reported they did not know their daughter needed more shots (English-speaking, 20%, Spanish-speaking 52%) and 39% reported that “I wasn’t worried about the safety of the HPV vaccine before, but now I am” (English-speaking, 23%, Spanish-speaking, 50%). Items rated as very important among NIs in the decision regarding vaccination included: more information about safety (74%), more information saying it prevents cancer (70%), and if they knew HPV was spread mainly by sexual contact (61%). Conclusions: Safety concerns, being unaware of the need for multiple doses, and low perceived risk of infection remain significant barriers to HPV vaccination for at-risk adolescents. Some parents’ safety concerns do not appear until initial vaccination.

Introduction U.S. obstetrician/gynecologists play a critical role as vaccinators of pregnant women. However, little is known about their current immunization practices. Thus, study objectives were to determine (1) practices related to assessment of vaccination status and vaccine delivery for pregnant patients; (2) barriers to stocking and administering vaccines; and (3) factors associated with administering both influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. Methods An e-mail and mail survey among a national sample of obstetrician/gynecologists conducted July–October 2015 (analysis August 2016–August 2017). Results The response rate was 73.2% (353/482). Among obstetrician/gynecologists caring for pregnant women (n=324), vaccination status was most commonly assessed for influenza (97%), Tdap (92%), and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines (88%). Vaccines most commonly administered included influenza (85%) and Tdap (76%). Few respondents reported administering other vaccines to pregnant patients. More physicians reported using standing orders for influenza (66%) than Tdap (39%). Other evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccine uptake were less frequently used (electronic decision support, 42%; immunization information system to record [13%] or assess vaccination status [11%]; reminder/recall, 7%). Barriers most commonly reported were provider financial barriers, yet provider attitudinal barriers were rare. Providers who administered both influenza and Tdap vaccines were more likely to be female, perceive fewer financial and practice barriers, less likely to be in private practice, and perceive more patient barriers. Conclusions Although most obstetrician/gynecologists administer some vaccines to pregnant women, the focus remains on influenza and Tdap. Financial barriers and infrequent use of evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccination uptake may be hindering delivery of a broader complement of adult vaccines in obstetrician/gynecologist offices.

Background: Asthma medication adherence is low among high risk children. The objectives of this pilot study were to assess usability and feasibility of adherence monitoring devices to assess medication adherence over 3 months. Methods: Participants were aged 6-19 years with at least 1 hospital admission or 2 emergency visits in the last year. We identified 135 potential subjects, enrolling a convenience sample of 25 children. Sensors were placed on controller and rescue medications. Patients and provders were enrolled in the online system and completed surveys about the devices. Results: Twenty patients completed the final visit. Eighty-four percent (21/25) of families had eligible smartphones. Five of 9 providers (56%) stated that the intervention changed some aspect of their care. Of the patients who completed the study, 16 of 20 (80%) were very satisfied with the devices, 20 (100%) found the information easy to understand, and 16 (80%) stated that their children were more likely to take their medications. The average weekly adherence to prescribed controller medications ranged from 76% at entry to 36% at 3 months, with a mean adherence rate of 56% (Figure 1). Conclusions: The monitoring device was well accepted by both patients and providers, however adherence declined over time. Further studies are needed to evaluate ways to continue to engage this high-risk group of patients.

Little is known about adult patients' attitudes toward vaccination and preferences for reminder/recall. The objective of this study was to determine patient perspectives on adult vaccines generally; attitudes about Tdap, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV-23), and seasonal influenza vaccines specifically; and preferences for adult reminder/recall delivery. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 68 patients in a safety net health system. The sample was stratified by preferred language (English or Spanish), age (18-64 or 65+), and health status (with or without chronic conditions). Participants expressed positive attitudes toward vaccines generally, but had little knowledge of specific vaccines other than influenza, about which they expressed concerns. Although none reported previous experience receiving reminder/recall notices for adult vaccines, all were in favor of receiving them. These results suggest potential patient interest in greater adoption of evidence-based methods to improve immunization rates, and highlight the need for improved communication between providers and patients about adult vaccines.

Background Financial concerns are often cited by physicians as a barrier to administering routinely recommended vaccines to adults. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived payments and profit from administering recommended adult vaccines and vaccine purchasing practices among general internal medicine (GIM) and family medicine (FM) practices in the United States. Methods We conducted an interviewer-administered survey from January-June 2014 of practices stratified by specialty (FM or GIM), affiliation (standalone or ≥ 2 practice sites), and level of financial decision-making (independent or larger system level) in FM and GIM practices that responded to a previous survey on adult vaccine financing and provided contact information for follow-up. Practice personnel identified as knowledgeable about vaccine financing and billing responded to questions about payments relative to vaccine purchase price and payment for vaccine administration, perceived profit on vaccination, claim denial, and utilization of various purchasing strategies for private vaccine stocks. Survey items on payment and perceived profit were assessed for various public and private payer types. Descriptive statistics were calculated and responses compared by physician specialty, practice affiliation, and level of financial decision-making. Results Of 242 practices approached, 43% (n = 104) completed the survey. Reported payment levels and perceived profit varied by payer type. Only for preferred provider organizations did a plurality of respondents report profiting on adult vaccination services. Over half of respondents reported losing money vaccinating adult Medicaid beneficiaries. One-quarter to one-third of respondents reported not knowing about Medicare Part D payment levels for vaccine purchase and vaccine administration, respectively. Few respondents reported negotiating with manufacturers or insurance plans on vaccine purchase prices or payments for vaccination. Conclusions Practices vaccinating adults may benefit from education and technical assistance related to vaccine financing and billing and greater use of purchasing strategies to decrease upfront vaccine cost.