Polio Immunization Delivery Study (PIDS)

Statement of the Problem:

In January 1996, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that polio vaccine in the United States be delivered with a sequential IPV/OPV schedule, a change from the previous all OPV schedule. As this change was planned, concern was expressed that this change could adversely affect the acceptance of immunizations and immunization rates. Of special concern were disadvantaged populations and populations that have been difficult to immunize: poor, minority, and inner-city children. Others have felt that while concern is warranted, the adverse events caused by OPV make this change imperative. This study will examine the effect of this change in immunization policy on the acceptance of polio vaccine and immunization rates of children cared for by pediatricians. The study will include patients and their health care providers in populations considered at particular risk for the adverse effects of this policy change.

Aims

1. Determine the effect of the change from an all-oral-polio-vaccine schedule to a sequential inactivated/oral schedule on the immunization status of infants followed by practicing pediatricians.

2. Determine the effect of practitioner practices and beliefs on the immunization status of their patients.

3. Determine the optimal method for determining practice-specific immunization rates.