Abstract
BackgroundInfluenza during pregnancy is a potentially life threatening illness. There are limited data on influenza vaccination uptake and determinants of uptake in Irish obstetric populations.AimTo determine the uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy; determinants of vaccination uptake; knowledge, attitudes, and concerns of postnatal women; and knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) surrounding vaccination.Design & settingA quantitative study of postnatal women attending the Rotunda Hospital, a tertiary referral maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland. A separate quantitative study conducted by the North Dublin City GP Training Programme surveyed GPs, pharmacists, and Rotunda Hospital clinical staff.MethodA paper-based survey was distributed to postnatal women. HCPs completed the survey via the online tool Survey Monkey.Results330 patient surveys were disseminated, with a 60.0% response rate. Of 198 responders, 109 (55.1%) were vaccinated against influenza. Non-professionals were less likely to be vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09 to 0.89). Vaccination in previous pregnancy (aOR 5.2, 95% CI = 1.69 to 15.62) and information from an HCP were strongly associated with vaccination (aOR 12.8, 95% CI = 2.65 to 62.5). There was a 20.2% (n = 1180) response rate among HCPs. More GPs felt that it was their role to discuss vaccination (92.9%; n = 676), and offer to vaccinate women (91.7%; n = 666) than any other HCP.ConclusionProvision of information about the importance of vaccination against influenza and pertussis during pregnancy by HCPs and their consistent recommendations in support of vaccination were key determinants of vaccine uptake during pregnancy. The sociodemographic determinants of a woman’s vaccination status should be addressed in health promotion campaigns. Education of HCPs may address knowledge gaps surrounding vaccination.
Highlights
Influenza during pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening illness
Vaccination in previous pregnancy and information from an healthcare professionals (HCPs) were strongly associated with vaccination
Provision of information about the importance of vaccination against influenza and pertussis during pregnancy by HCPs and their consistent recommendations in support of vaccination were key determinants of vaccine uptake during pregnancy
Summary
Vaccination against influenza was an important focus of the 2009–2012 MMBRACE report, which reported that 1 in 11 maternal deaths in the UK and Ireland were caused by influenza.[1] Pregnant women are listed as a high priority group for influenza vaccination.[2]. Physiological changes of pregnancy may predispose pregnant women to complications including hospitalisation, ventilation, and preterm birth.[3]. In Ireland, the inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy.[3,4] Maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy may confer benefits to infants in the first months of life.[5]. Influenza during pregnancy is a potentially life threatening illness. There are limited data on influenza vaccination uptake and determinants of uptake in Irish obstetric populations
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