Background: The US experienced a shortage of varicella vaccine in 2002, leading to the concerns about its impact.
Methods: 204 Minnesota and Pennsylvania physicians, most (164) of whom were interviewed in 1999 on the topic of varicella vaccine, responded to a 2003 survey.
Results: Although 67% were aware of the 2002 varicella vaccine shortage, 24% experienced it and only 45% were aware of the 2002 temporary change in national vaccination recommendations. In response, more vaccinated until the supply was exhausted (59%) than postponed vaccination as recommended (41%). Most (91%) reported that the shortage did not change their likelihood of recommending vaccine. From 1999 to 2003, the percentage of physicians highly likely to recommend vaccination increased from 73% to 82% for children 12-18 months old (P < 0.01). In 2003, more physicians believed that it was likely for secondary skin infections to occur following varicella disease and for parents to request vaccination than in 1999 (P < 0.01). Almost all (93%) physicians in both years believed that serious side effects were unlikely.
Conclusions: Over half of physicians were unaware of the change in vaccine recommendations due to the shortage and many did not follow that change, suggesting the need for a different strategy.