Exploring Coping Strategies of Nursing Staff for Influenza Vaccination Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Influenza vaccinations may decrease the risk of contracting influenza and its complications significantly in pregnant women and effectively help infants less than six months of age avoid hospitalization. Based on scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of the influenza vaccination for pregnant women and fetuses, the epidemic prevention policy of both the World Health Organization and Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare recommend that pregnant women receive the influenza vaccination. However, low acceptance of the influenza vaccine among pregnant women is an ongoing concern in Taiwan. Nursing staffs play a key role in implementing the influenza vaccination program for pregnant women. Therefore, strengthening the professional competency and service effectiveness of nursing staffs may be expected to significantly improve the vaccination coverage rate. This article offers practical methods for achieving this, including promoting nursing staffs' professional knowledge and positive attitudes regarding influenza vaccinations for pregnant women, improving nursing staffs' related education and skills in communication with pregnant women and their families, and improving the implementation of the notification mechanism for disseminating accurate information regarding the vaccine and vaccine adverse events. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the confidence and willingness of pregnant women with regard to receiving influenza vaccinations in order to promote the health of mothers and their fetuses.