scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccination rates and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stock ◽  
Jade Carruthers ◽  
Clara Calvert ◽  
Cheryl Denny ◽  
Jack Donaghy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Background Rate ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract We describe SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Scotland in a prospective cohort of all pregnant women in Scotland drawn from national databases. As of mid-October 2021, the Covid-19 in pregnancy in Scotland (COPS) cohort included linked data on a total of 139,136 pregnancies in 126,749 women. Up to September 30, 2021, a total of 22,779 COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered to 16,229 pregnant women. Vaccine coverage was substantially lower in pregnant women than in the general female population of reproductive age (23.7% of women giving birth in September 2021 were fully vaccinated compared to 74.9 % in women 18-44 years). Of the 4,274 cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy (confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 viral reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) between December 2020 (the month the COVID-19 vaccination programme started in Scotland) and September 2021 inclusive, 629 women (14.7%) were admitted to hospital and 89 (2.1%) were admitted to critical care. Of the COVID-19 cases occurring in pregnant women, 81.7% (3,491/4,274; 95% CI 80.5-82.8) were in unvaccinated women. Of the COVID-19 associated hospital admissions, 93.0% (585/629; 95% CI 90.7-94.8) were in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Of the COVID-19 associated critical care admissions 98.9% (88/89; 95% CI 93.9-100) were in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. The extended perinatal mortality rate for women who gave birth within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis was 15.9 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.8 to 31.0; background rate in 2020 6.3 per 1,000 total births [95% CI 5.7-7.1]; background rate 2019 5.7 per 1,000 total births [95% CI 5.0-6.4]). All baby deaths occurred after pregnancies in women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Addressing low vaccine uptake rates in pregnant women is imperative to protect the health of women and babies.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination rates in pregnant women in Scotland

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Stock ◽  
Jade Carruthers ◽  
Clara Calvert ◽  
Cheryl Denny ◽  
Jack Donaghy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Background Rate ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Critical Care Admission

AbstractPopulation-level data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes are lacking. We describe COVID-19 vaccine uptake and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women in Scotland, using whole-population data from a national, prospective cohort. Between the start of a COVID-19 vaccine program in Scotland, on 8 December 2020 and 31 October 2021, 25,917 COVID-19 vaccinations were given to 18,457 pregnant women. Vaccine coverage was substantially lower in pregnant women than in the general female population of 18−44 years; 32.3% of women giving birth in October 2021 had two doses of vaccine compared to 77.4% in all women. The extended perinatal mortality rate for women who gave birth within 28 d of a COVID-19 diagnosis was 22.6 per 1,000 births (95% CI 12.9−38.5; pandemic background rate 5.6 per 1,000 births; 452 out of 80,456; 95% CI 5.1−6.2). Overall, 77.4% (3,833 out of 4,950; 95% CI 76.2−78.6) of SARS-CoV-2 infections, 90.9% (748 out of 823; 95% CI 88.7−92.7) of SARS-CoV-2 associated with hospital admission and 98% (102 out of 104; 95% CI 92.5−99.7) of SARS-CoV-2 associated with critical care admission, as well as all baby deaths, occurred in pregnant women who were unvaccinated at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Addressing low vaccine uptake rates in pregnant women is imperative to protect the health of women and babies in the ongoing pandemic.

scholarly journals High burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania: a call to address its determinants

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno F. Sunguya ◽  
Yue Ge ◽  
Linda Mlunde ◽  
Rose Mpembeni ◽  
Germana Leyna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Gis Mapping ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Anemia In Pregnancy ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Anemia in pregnancy is behind a significant burden of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes globally. Efforts to address it need evidence on trends and its pertinent factors as they vary from one area to another. Methods We pooled data of 23,203 women of reproductive age whose hemoglobin levels were measured from two Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS). Of them, 2,194 women were pregnant. Analyses employed descriptive analyses to determine the burden of anemia, its characteristics, and severity; GIS mapping to determine the regional changes of anemia between 2005 and 2015; and logistic regression to determine the remaining determinants of anemia among pregnant women using Stata 15. Results The burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania has remained unprecedently high, and varies between regions. There was no significant decline of anemia in general between the two periods after adjusting for individual, households, reproductive, and child characteristics [AOR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.774–1.202, p = 0.747). Anemia is currently prevalent in 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. The prevalence is more likely to be higher among women aged 15–19 years than those aged between 20–34 years. It is more likely to be prevalent among those within large families, with no formal education, food insecurity, lack of health insurance, had no antimalaria during pregnancy, and had low frequency of ANC attendance. On the other hand, delivery in a health facility may be potentially protective against anemia. Conclusions Anemia in pregnancy remained persistently high and prevalent among 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. Efforts to address anemia are crucial and need to be focused in regions with increasing burden of anemia among pregnant women. It is imperative to address important risk factors such as food insecurity, strengthening universal health coverage, empowering women of reproductive age with education and especially nutritional knowledge and advocating for early antenatal booking, attendance, and facility delivery.

scholarly journals 31. Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Mexican Gynecologists and Family Physicians

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S39-S39
Author(s):  
Erika Z Lopatynsky-Reyes ◽  
Sue Ann Costa-Clemens ◽  
Enrique Chacon-Cruz ◽  
Michael Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Influenza in pregnancy is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccines are both safe and effective in pregnancy, supporting routine use in this population. Even though influenza vaccination in Mexico is recommended for pregnant women, there are no publications of influenza vaccine coverage in pregnancy. This is the first Latin American survey done only in physicians aiming to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that Mexican Obstetrics-Gynecologists (OBG) and Family Physicians (FP) have towards influenza and influenza immunization during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, both paper-based and online. The questionnaire was composed of 35 questions, which addressed general knowledge of influenza, recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy, and beliefs and attitudes concerning the acceptability of the vaccine in pregnant women. Results A total of 206 completed surveys were available, 98 (47.6%) from OBG, 108 (52.4%) from FP. Regarding current practicing medical institutions, 76 (37%), 69 (34%), 31 (14.5%), 30 (14.5%) reported working for the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Private Sector, Secretariat of Health, or a combination of all respectively, representing an estimated 2,472 daily pregnancy consultations. About a quarter (26.2%) reported not having a notion that influenza is more severe among pregnant women. More than half (51.5%) ignored the potential side effects of influenza infection on the fetus. The majority (56.8%) did not know when vaccination during pregnancy should occur. Pregnancy as a risk factor for developing influenza complications was known only in 48.1%. Also, 46.1 % believed that vaccination only confers protection to the mother, but not to the fetus. Nevertheless, 96.1% considered that immunization against influenza during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventive intervention. A results’ summary is shown in Figure-1. Conclusion Based on this survey, current knowledge of OBG and FP for influenza morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, and the importance of influenza vaccination in pregnant women, is poor. Mandatory recommendations to educate medical providers regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Mexico are necessary, even as imperative for CME credits. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Vojvodina

2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 333-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snezana Brkic ◽  
Gorana Gajski ◽  
Mirjana Bogavac ◽  
Daniela Maric ◽  
Vesna Turkulov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
General Population ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Female Patients

Introduction Toxoplasmosis is an acute infectious anthropozoonotic disease with mild asymptomatic clinical manifestations in immunocompetent persons and more severe in immunocompromised patients. Acute infection in pregnancy can result in severe congenital toxoplasmosis with severe sequels. Objective Aims of study were to detect Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in general population of Vojvodina, Serbia, differences between genders and determination of seroprevalence in women of reproductive age and pregnant women. Methods Our retrospective study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 including 625 immunocompetent patients, hospitalized or observed as outpatients at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad. We performed commercial ELISA kits SERION - ELISA classic test by VIRION for the presence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies. According to seroepidemiological aim of the study, our results were presented only in qualitative values. Results We observed 173 male and 452 female patients. Seroprevalence in general population of Vojvodina was 38.1%. In male population seroprevalence was 45.7%, and in female population it was 35.2%, the difference which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Seroprevalence increased with age and seroconversion was detected to occur in persons aged about 20 years. In all female patients, 353 (78.1%) were in reproductive age with seroprevalence of 30%. In 161 pregnant women seroprevalence was 31.7%. Conclusion In this study we screened actual seroepidemiological situation to Toxoplasma gondii in Vojvodina, thus giving a contribution to the continuous epidemiological screening done in this region and in the country. According to our results, almost 70% of women in reproductive age were sensitive to primary acute infection during further pregnancies, which is highly important for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis. Although not routinely conducted in many countries, routine serological testing to Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and their education about preventive measures against this infection could be an effective measure in the future.

scholarly journals Serum and urine vitamin D metabolite analysis in early preeclampsia

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Tamblyn ◽  
C Jenkinson ◽  
D P Larner ◽  
M Hewison ◽  
M D Kilby
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolites ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Control Serum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Paired Serum ◽  
In Pregnancy ◽  
Serum And Urine

Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women and may contribute to adverse events in pregnancy such as preeclampsia (PET). To date, studies of vitamin D and PET have focused primarily on serum concentrations vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) later in pregnancy. The aim here was to determine whether a more comprehensive analysis of vitamin D metabolites earlier in pregnancy could provide predictors of PET. Using samples from the SCOPE pregnancy cohort, multiple vitamin D metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in paired serum and urine prior to the onset of PET symptoms. Samples from 50 women at pregnancy week 15 were analysed, with 25 (50%) developing PET by the end of the pregnancy and 25 continuing with uncomplicated pregnancy. Paired serum and urine from non-pregnant women (n = 9) of reproductive age were also used as a control. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 were measured and showed no significant difference between women with uncomplicated pregnancies and those developing PET. As previously reported, serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was higher in all pregnant women (in the second trimester), but serum 25(OH)D2 was also higher compared to non-pregnant women. In urine, 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 were quantifiable, with both metabolites demonstrating significantly lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of both of these metabolites in those destined to develop PET. These data indicate that analysis of urinary metabolites provides an additional insight into vitamin D and the kidney, with lower urinary 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 excretion being an early indicator of a predisposition towards developing PET.

AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND ITS OUTCOME

2021 ◽  
pp. 48-50
Author(s):  
Vinita singh ◽  
Sneha kumari
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neonatal Outcome ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
P Value ◽  
Overt Hypothyroidism ◽  
Thyroid Disorder ◽  
Neonatal Complications ◽  
In Pregnancy

Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age group Hypothyroidism is common in pregnancy with an estimated prevalence of 2-3% Maternal hypothyroidism leads to many maternal and perinatal complications like miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, pre-term labor, placental abruption, and fetal death. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To nd out the effect of hypothyroidism on the course of pregnancy, to study the neonatal outcome, to know the prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nalanda medical college and hospital, Patna. All pregnant women attending the obstetric unit during this period were included in the study after informed consent 10 ml of blood sample of pregnant women was drawn at the rst visit in the rst trimester; then it was centrifuged and stored at -70 degree Celsius until assays, which were done after delivery, TFT was assessed by quantitative analysis of serum TSH and FT4 (ELISA). The pregnancy outcome variables like miscarriages, preterm deliveries, IUGR, preeclampsia, anemia, low birth weight, intrauterine fetal demise, antepartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, birth asphyxia were studied. The neonatal outcome was also studied. The statistical analysis was done using the odds ratio. P-value <0.05 was considered signicant. RESULTS: Out of the 250 pregnant women 25 had hypothyroidism (9.5%). The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was more as compared to the overtone (Table 2). Abortions were seen in 12.5% of subclinical and 11.1% of overt hypothyroid women. PIH and abruptions were signicantly higher in subclinical cases (P<0.05) while in the overt group both complications were higher as compared to the normal women but the p-value was not signicant for abruption. More of the hypothyroid women had preterm delivery (37.5% in subclinical and 44.4% in the overt group), Regarding neonatal complications, IUD and Early neonatal deaths were signicantly higher in overt hypothyroidism (P<0.01) Hypothyroid women had more low birth weight babies (31.25% in subclinical and 35.5% in overt) and IUGR babies (18.70% in subclinical and 22.21% in overt), CONCLUSION: The present study shows that, though the occurrence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is less yet it causes many maternal and neonatal complications therefore universal screening of thyroid disorder should be done in pregnancy.

Diagnosis and therapy of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kira Valentinovna Shalepo ◽  
Veronika Viktorovna Nazarova ◽  
Yuliya Nikolayevna Menukhova ◽  
Yelena Vasilyevna Shipitsyna ◽  
Alevtina Mikhailovna Savicheva
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Diagnosis And Therapy ◽  
In Pregnancy

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of reproductive age. This review presents literature data regarding a role of BV in adverse reproductive health outcomes, describes current methods used for BV diagnosis and issues of treatment of this disease in pregnant women.

scholarly journals Prevalence of hypothyroidism amongst pregnant women: a study done in rural set up

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy S. Pillai ◽  
Jemela Bennet
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Intellectual Development ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Overt Hypothyroidism ◽  
Endocrine Disorders ◽  
Thyroid Disorder ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Thyroid disorders are the commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age group. The most frequent thyroid disorder in pregnancy is maternal hypothyroidism. During early pregnancy the foetus is totally dependent on maternal thyroid hormone supply. Thyroid hormone is critical for foetal brain and intellectual development and some preventable conditions like abruption, pre-eclampsia etc. which produce morbidity and pose special risk for pregnancy and the developing foetus.Methods: All subjects enrolled in the study as per the inclusion criteria will be subjected to a detailed history and clinical examination using a predesigned proforma. A serum TSH value will be sent in 1st trimester between 6-10 weeks period of gestation for all pregnant women.Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy was 10.8% with hypothyroidism being 9.2%, out of which 8.5% were cases of subclinical hypothyroidism and 0.7% were cases of overt hypothyroidism. On assessing the risk factors for developing thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy, increases in incidence were seen with maternal age and increasing BMI, both of which were statistically significant.Conclusions: This study showed an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy recommending a need for universal screening for all pregnant women in the first trimester itself. This study aims at validating the efficacy of the above-mentioned screening.

scholarly journals SEROPREVALENCE AND CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION IN THE FIRST VERSUS THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Crovetto ◽  
Fàtima Crispi ◽  
Elisa Llurba ◽  
Francesc Figueras ◽  
María Dolores Gómez-Roig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Clinical Spectrum ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Symptomatic Infection ◽  
Susceptibility To Infection ◽  
The Third ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionCase registries of pregnant women diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have reported that the majority experienced mild infection, but up to 9% may require critical care.1 Most COVID-19 cases published were in the third trimester of pregnancy, which could reflect reporting bias, higher risk of infection or increased disease severity in late pregnancy.2 Seroprevalence studies may allow reliable estimates of the susceptibility to infection and clinical spectrum since they include asymptomatic and mild infections not tested for PCR. We evaluated the seroprevalence and clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnant women in the first and third trimester.MethodsThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at each institution and informed consent was obtained. We recruited 874 consecutive pregnancies attending for first trimester screening (10-16 weeks’ gestation, n=372) or delivery (n=502) from April 14 to May 5. All women were interviewed with a structured questionnaire for COVID-19 symptoms two months prior to sampling. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM/IgA antibodies were tested (COVID-19 VIRCLIA® Monotest, Vircell Microbiologist, Spain; reported sensitivity 70% IgG and 89% IgM/IgA, and specificity 89% and 99% respectively). Indeterminate results were re-tested (VITROS® Immunodiagnostic Products Anti-SARS-CoV2 Total Tests, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, USA; 100% sensitivity and specificity) and re-classified as positive or negative. Women with COVID-19 were diagnosed and managed according to standard protocols and guidelines3,4. Statistical differences were tested using the χ2 test or Student t-test as appropriate (p<0.05).ResultsA total of 125 of 874 women (14.3%) were positive for either IgG or IgM/IgA SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 54/372 (14.5%) in the first and 71/502 (14.1%) in the third trimester. A total of 75/125 (60%) reported no symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 2 months, whereas 44 (35.2%) reported one or more symptoms, of which 31 (24.8%) had at least 3 symptoms or anosmia and 8 (6.4%) dyspnea. Overall, 7 women (5.6%) were admitted for persistent fever (>38°) despite paracetamol and dyspnea, of which 3 had signs of pneumonia on chest radiography. All 3 had criteria for severity (bilateral chest condensation, respiratory rate>30 and leukopenia) and required oxygen support but not critical care or mechanical ventilation, and they were all discharged well. The rates of symptomatic infection, hospital admission or dyspnea were significantly higher in third trimester women (Table and Figure).DiscussionThe 14.3% seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 in pregnant women in this study was substantially larger than the contemporary rates of PCR positive cases (0.78%) reported for women 20-40y in Barcelona.5 The data confirm that COVID-19 is asymptomatic in the majority of pregnant women6 and illustrate the value of seroprevalence studies to capture the high proportion of asymptomatic or mild infections. In this study, none of the 125 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection required critical care as compared to 9% reported in cases diagnosed with PCR.1 However, the proportion of infections with symptoms or dyspnea was remarkably higher in the third trimester, and these results are in line with COVID-19 registries, reporting that 81% of hospitalized women were in late pregnancy or peripartum.1These results provide reassuring information that, even in settings with a high prevalence, SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy mostly presents with asymptomatic or mild clinical forms. The susceptibility to infection seemed to be the same in the first and the third trimesters of gestation. The data further suggest that, as with other respiratory viruses, COVID-19 could be more severe and require increased surveillance in late pregnancy. These findings should be confirmed and extended with larger consecutive prevalence studies in pregnancy.

scholarly journals An evaluation of strategies to achieve greater than 90% coverage of maternal influenza and pertussis vaccines including an economic evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Giles ◽  
Kong Khai ◽  
Sushena Krishnaswamy ◽  
Karen Bellamy ◽  
Margaret Angliss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
New Model ◽  
Maternal Immunisation ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Maternal Influenza

Abstract Background Maternal immunisation is an essential public health intervention aimed at improving the health outcomes for pregnant women and providing protection to the newborn. Despite international recommendations, safety and efficacy data for the intervention, and often a fully funded program, uptake of vaccines in pregnancy remain suboptimal. One possible explanation for this includes limited access to vaccination services at the point of antenatal care. The aim of this study is to evaluate the change in vaccine coverage among pregnant women following implementation of a modified model of delivery aimed at improving access at the point of antenatal care, including an economic evaluation. Methods This prospective multi-centre study, using action research design, across six maternity services in Victoria, Australia, evaluated the implementation of a co-designed vaccine delivery model (either a pharmacy led model, midwife led model or primary care led model) supported by provider education. The main outcome measure was influenza and pertussis vaccine uptake during pregnancy and the incremental cost of the new model (compared to existing models) and the cost-effectiveness of the new model at each participating health service. Results Influenza vaccine coverage in 2019 increased between 50 and 196% from baseline. All services reduced their average cost per immunisation under the new platforms due to efficiencies achieved in the delivery of maternal immunisations. This cost saving ranged from $9 to $71. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that there is no ‘one size fits all’ model of vaccine delivery. Future successful strategies to improve maternal vaccine coverage at other maternity services should be site specific, multifaceted, targeted at the existing barriers to maternal vaccine uptake, and heavily involve local stakeholders in the design and implementation of these strategies. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicates that an increase in maternal influenza immunisation uptake can be achieved at a relatively modest cost through amendment of maternal immunisation platforms.

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