[Opinions and attitudes on the topic of vaccination of established physicians, pharmacists and their personnel and current vaccination status of these groups]. / Meinungen und Einstellungen zum Thema Impfen bei niedergelassenen Arzten, Offizinapothekern und ihrem Personal sowie aktueller Impfstatus dieser Gruppen.

ABSTRACT

Object of this investigation was to evaluate attitudes and opinions of general practitioners, internal specialists and pharmacists with regard to vaccination. At the same time we investigated the actual vaccination state of these groups and of the medical staff and pharmacy staff. Physicians and pharmacists answered by using a four-page written questionnaire. The vaccination state was evaluated by a single-page questionnaire. Analyses were made by using the statistical program SPSS. The 161 physicians and 188 pharmacists participating in this study generally agree that the risk of infection in practice and pharmacy is not significant. The best vaccine protection in these groups was observed for tetanus. An effective inoculation against this pathogen was documented by 79.4% of physicians and 63.3% of pharmacists. 73.4% of physicians had also a protection against hepatitis B. All other vaccinations were documented as actually protective only in 6-55% of the cases. Physicians and pharmacists agree that their staff should have a vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis, followed by hepatitis B and influenza. The vaccination state of medical staff and pharmacy-staff does not attain the demanded standard. It shows levels of 3-70%. Further education in vaccination is more often practised by pharmacists and their staff than by physicians and medical staff. Physicians are more active in advising patients about vaccination than pharmacists and patients rather consult their doctor than a pharmacist to give them vaccination advice. There is still a need for motivation of physicians and pharmacists to be an example for their patients and clients respectively. In addition, more of public information could be helpful.