Most pediatricians want to continue participating in a national vaccination program that focuses on needy populations, despite the hurdles that come with it, according to new research.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics examined the popularity of the 1993 Vaccine For Children Program among pediatricians. The program provides free vaccinations to children who are on Medicaid, uninsured or who are American Indian/Alaska Native. It aims to increase access to vaccinations for children whose families might not be able to afford it.
Researchers polled 372 U.S. pediatricians for the study.
Per the study, 85 percent of pediatricians reported that they had never seriously considered or discussed quitting the program. Ten percent had considered it but not seriously, and 5 percent reported seriously considering quitting.
Those who seriously considered quitting cited difficulty in recordkeeping requirements as the main reason they wanted to leave the program. Other hurdles included unpredictable vaccine supplies and low payments for vaccine administration fees.