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Reasons physicians accepted or declined smallpox vaccine, February through April, 2003

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Abstract

From February to April 2003, we performed an e-mail-based survey to assess responses of physicians at Yale University to being offered smallpox vaccine. Of 58 respondents, 3 (5%) had been or intended to be vaccinated. Reasons cited for declining vaccination included: belief that benefits did not outweigh risks (55%), belief that the vaccination program was unnecessary (18%), desire to wait and see what side effects occurred in vaccinees (11%), and worries about compensation or liability (7%). Most (94%) considered risks to themselves, family, or patients in their decision. Only 3% thought a smallpox attack in the next 5 years was likely or very likely. Physicians did not accept the smallpox vaccine because they did not believe the potential benefits were sufficient.

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Correspondence to Andrea L. Benin MD.

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Benin, A.L., Dembry, L., Shapiro, E.D. et al. Reasons physicians accepted or declined smallpox vaccine, February through April, 2003. J GEN INTERN MED 19, 85–89 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.36005.x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.36005.x

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