Pediatrics

Background:In 2015, ACIP recommended 16\u201323 year olds may be vaccinated with serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine based on individual clinical decision-making (Category B).Objective:To assess among US pediatricians (Peds) and family physicians (FPs): 1) practices regarding MenB vaccine delivery; 2) factors influencing a decision to recommend vaccine; 3) factors associated with discussing MenB vaccine at 16\u201318 year-old routine visits.Design/Methods:We surveyed a nationally representative sample of Peds and FPs by e-mail and internet from 10\u201312/2016.Results:The response rate was 72% (660/916). During routine visits, 51% of Peds and 31% of FPs reported always/often discussing MenB vaccine. Among those who discussed often/always, 91% recommended vaccination; among those who never/rarely discussed, 11% recommended. 73% of Peds and 41% of FPs currently administered MenB vaccine. While many providers reported not knowing about factors influencing recommendation decisions, serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreaks (89%), disease incidence (62%), and effectiveness (52%), safety (48%), and duration of protection of MenB vaccine (39%) increased likelihood of recommending while the Category B recommendation (45%) decreased likelihood. Those somewhat/not at all aware of MenB vaccine [Risk Ratio 0.32 (95% CI 0.25\u20130.41)] and those practicing in an HMO [0.39 (0.18\u20130.87)] were less likely whereas those aware of disease outbreaks in their state [1.25 (1.08\u20131.45)] were more likely to initiate a discussion about MenB vaccine.Conclusion(s):Primary care physicians have significant gaps in knowledge about serogroup B meningococcal disease and MenB vaccine and this appears to be a major driver of the decision not to discuss the vaccines.CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United StatesU01 IP000849/IP/NCIRD CDC HHS/United StatesU01 IP001072/IP/NCIRD CDC HHS/United States2019-09-01T00:00:00Z30126935PMC6200322661