Physicians concern about the spread of H1N1 virus and the availability of H1N1 vaccine

According to a Panel Intelligence survey of 50 primary care physicians, there are significant concerns about the H1N1 virus not just in terms of disease prevalence and vaccine shortages, but also in that 38% of the physicians surveyed (PCPs, pediatricians, and gerontologists) are "very concerned" about the virus evolving into a more serious strain and another 52% have moderate concerns about such a development.

As is to be expected, the physicians share the broader public's concern about the spread of the disease and availability of the vaccine. A significant minority of the physicians' patients will receive the H1N1 vaccine this year and a significant minority (44%) of the physicians surveyed classified themselves as "very concerned" about a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine.

"The results of this survey are sobering in that the physicians take the H1N1 threat seriously, believe that there will be widespread desire for the vaccine, are deeply concerned that demand will outstrip supply, and worry about the possibility of it becoming even more virulent," said Scott Packard, Senior Vice President of Research at Panel Intelligence.

The physicians' answers show that cases of and vaccinations for conventional flus and H1N1 are trending up. Among all types of physicians surveyed, significant minorities of patients will receive both vaccines. The prevalence of both seasonal and H1N1 flu is increasing. The physicians, on average, report a doubling of patients with flu-like symptoms between September 2008 and September 2009. The upsurge in flu activity has resulted in a surge in inquiries concerning H1N1 and its vaccine over the last six months.