Patient Opinions on Vaccines and Maternal Vaccination Status [11K

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To identify opinions that most negatively predict maternal influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination receipt. METHODS: Pregnant women >34 weeks were offered enrollment in a prospective cohort study, Pediatric Respiratory & Enteric Virus Acquisition and Immunogenesis Longitudinal Cohort (PREVAIL, www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nvsn/prevail.html). Multivariate logistic regression estimated the association between maternal characteristics and vaccine opinions on not receiving an influenza or Tdap vaccination. RESULTS: Of 58 enrolled mothers, 27 (46.6%) declined either an influenza, Tdap, or both vaccinations during their current pregnancy. Vaccine opinions and factors most commonly associated with refusal of an influenza vaccination were prior vaccination refusal (9, 45.0%), believing influenza vaccine is not effective at protecting one from the flu (12, 60%), believing influenza vaccine is not effective at conveying immunity to the baby (9, 45.0%), and believing it is better for a child to develop immunity naturally versus receiving an immunization (8, 40.0%). Vaccine opinions and factors most commonly associated with refusal of a Tdap vaccination were maternal age >34 year old (5, 35.7%), reported hesitancy toward childhood vaccinations (4, 28.6%), not planning on breastfeeding (4, 28.6%), and history of prior vaccine refusal (4, 28.6%). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary analysis has elucidated maternal factors and opinions regarding failure to receive recommended prenatal vaccinations. These efforts could help to shape future maternal vaccination education programs, as well as vaccine education programs in general.