Maternal Vaccinations Coverage And Reasons For Non-Compliance - A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Abstract Background: Maternal influenza and pertussis vaccination has been proven a safe and effective strategy to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Though recommended, not all pregnant women receive these important vaccinations. We aimed to evaluate the vaccine coverage of maternal immunization in pregnancy for seasonal influenza and acellular pertussis and elucidate the reasons for non-vaccination among pregnant women. The secondary objective was to describe factors that affect vaccine uptake.Methods: A cross sectional observational study using anonymous questionnaires distributed to women in the maternity ward or pregnant women (>37 weeks) hospitalized in the high-risk ward, thru Nov 2017-June 2018.Results: Of 321 women approached, 313 were eligible and 290 questionnaires were retrieved (92.6%). We found a 75.9% (95% CI 0.71, 0.81) and 34.5% (95% CI 0.29, 0.40) vaccination rate for pertussis and influenza vaccines respectively. The most prominent reason for not receiving the pertussis vaccination was being under-informed (24%). Influenza vaccine was not received mainly due to concerns about vaccine efficacy (28%). Other factors influencing vaccination uptake included education, prior childbirth and vaccine recommendations made by the provider.Conclusion: Although maternal vaccination of pertussis and influenza is officially recommended, vaccine uptake is suboptimal. Our study suggests a central role for medical providers in diminishing the concerns about safety and efficacy, and presents novel factors influencing compliance rates, like seasonality and number of prior births.