ACOG: OB/GYNs 'essential' in vaccine education, immunization

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is urging obstetrician-gynecologists to provide immunizations in their practices in a committee opinion recently released by the organization.

"Helping our patients make informed decisions about vaccinations is an essential part of our specialty," J. Martin Tucker, MD, member of AGOG's Immunization Expert Work Group and lead author of the opinion, said in a release. "We must embrace this role, increase awareness and work to enhance immunization uptake."

The committee outlined how obstetrician-gynecologists can effectively integrate vaccinations.

"Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases is an essential component of women's primary and preventive health care," the committee stated. "Despite the importance of vaccination and clear guidance from public health agencies, rates of vaccination lag behind national goals."

Obstetrician-gynecologists can play a significant part in decreasing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, pertussis and HPV, the committee said.

"Given demonstrated vaccine efficacy and safety, and the large potential for prevention of many infectious diseases that affect adults, pregnant women, and newborns, obstetrician-gynecologists should include immunizations as an integral part of their practice," the authors wrote. "To do so, they must embrace their role as important sources of information and advice on immunization for adults, adolescents and pregnant women, and advance their patients' well-being with continued efforts to augment immunization services in their offices."

ACOG offered several recommendations for obstetrician-gynecologists to integrate immunizations into their practices:

strongly recommend indicated immunizations directly to patients;

document patient counseling and receipt of immunizations in office charts and state immunization registries;

document when a patient declines an immunization and follow-up with another discussion at their next visit;

name an office immunization coordinator who will order vaccines, receive deliveries and ensure proper storage;

use electronic or paper notices to remind office staff and physicians about which patients need immunizations;

institute standing order protocols for indicated immunizations if allowed by state law; and

provide appropriate vaccine information statements before the administration of every vaccine, as required by federal law.

ACOG also suggested that physicians review resources available on its website before implementing immunization services. – by Chelsea Frajerman Pardes

Reference:

Integrating Immunizations Into Practice. Committee Opinion No. 661. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.