Relationships Between State Health Departments and Medical Professional Organizations Regarding Immunizations

Objective: To assess relationships between State Health Department (SHD) immunization programs and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Methods: Surveys were distributed to SHD immunization managers and and AAFP chapter/district heads. Results: Most and AAFP respondents reported contact with the SHD (73% and 62%, respectively). Most SHDs reported contact with the and AAFP (74% and 57%, respectively). More SHDs reported discussing immunization information with the than the AAFP (83% and 61%, respectively, P=.02). SHDs rarely reported using e-mail to communicate with physicians (4%), while AAP and AAFP respondents commonly reported communicating with members via e-mail (80% and 72%, respectively). Most SHD respondents reported satisfaction with relationships with the (78%) and AAFP (65%). Similarly, most and AAFP respondents reported satisfaction with their SHD relationship (80% and 62%, respectively). The majority of SHD, AAP, and AAFP respondents expressed willingness to further strengthen relationships (86%, 79%, and 90%, respectively). Conclusions: Good relationships exist between medical professional organizations and SHDs and there is support for improvement of the partnerships. SHDs may consider enhancing e-mail communications with physicians and medical professional organizations.