Physician beliefs and practices regarding the use of hepatitis A vaccine

In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended routine vaccination of children against hepatitis A in states, counties, and communities with rates twice the national average or greater. Milwaukee is such a community. To assess physician knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding hepatitis A disease and hepatitis A vaccine recommendations in Milwaukee. A cross-sectional study of 291 Milwaukee pediatricians and family physicians using a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 46%. Of physicians responding, 88% were aware that hepatitis A vaccine was recommended for all children in Milwaukee >2 years of age; 61% believed hepatitis A was a significant health problem, with a significant difference between pediatricians and family physicians (74% versus 43%); and 65% stated they offered the vaccine "almost always" or "most of the time" to children between the ages of 2 and 19 years. More physician education is needed regarding the public health impact of hepatitis A and the value of the vaccine.