Knowledge and attitiudes of pregnant women and their providers towards recommendations for immunization during pregnancy. Issue 41 (5th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Healy, C. Mary; Rench, Marcia A.; Montesinos, Diana P.; Ng, Nancy; Swaim, Laurie S.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 33:Issue 41(2015)
• Page Start: 5445
• Page End: 5451
• Publication Date: 2015-10-05
• Subjects: Maternal immunization -- Vaccine uptake -- Pregnancy -- Provider recommendation; BCM Baylor College of Medicine -- BCM-MFM Baylor College of Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic -- BCM-OB Baylor College of Medicine General Obstetric Clinic -- MA medical assistant -- PFW Pavilion for Women -- Tdap tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine -- UK United Kingdom -- US United States -- WSH Women's Specialists of Houston; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.08.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Pregnant women will accept vaccination during pregnancy if recommended by their physician. Safety for baby and mother, and adequate discussion are factors critical to vaccination decisions. Providers underestimated amount of trust placed in physicians by pregnant women. A strong physician recommendation is essential to optimizing uptake of vaccines during pregnancy. Abstract: Objectives: Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccination is recommended during each pregnancy but uptake is suboptimal. We evaluated knowledge and acceptance of vaccination recommendations among pregnant women. Methods: Prospective, convenience survey of pregnant women presenting for antenatal care at the Pavilion for Women, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, and their healthcare providers. Results: 796 of 825 (96.5%) of women and 63 of 87 (72.4%) providers completed surveys. Mean age of pregnant women was 30.2 (18–45) years. Self-identified race/ethnicity was 45% white, 26% Hispanic, 13% black, 12% Asian and 4% other. Most women had college degrees (84%) and private health insurance (83%). Mean gestation was 28.5 weeks with 4.8%, 37.8% and 57.4%, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Women used various sources for pregnancy information (personal contacts, providers, print, audiovisual and online media) but 89.1% cited a provider as their most trusted source, predominantly (85.8%) their physician. 668 (84%) knew vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, specifically influenza (77%) and Tdap (61%) vaccines. 659 (83%) were willing to receive vaccines if recommended by their physician. Factors impacting vaccination decisions included safety for baby, safety for mother and sufficient information, scoring 4.7, 4.5 and 4.2, respectively, on a 5-point scale; less important were additional visit time (2.6), cost (1.9) or needle phobia (1). Women surveyed in the 3rd trimester showed greater acceptance than those earlier in gestation (87% vs 78%; P 0.003). Maternal education, ethnicity, insurance, multiple gestation or history of serious illness in a prior infant did not affect willingness to receive vaccines. Conclusions: Pregnant women are willing to accept vaccination in pregnancy if recommended by their physician and if sufficient discussion of safety and rationale occurs. Strong physician recommendation, as reported for pediatric vaccination, is essential to optimizing uptake of vaccines during pregnancy.