Postpartum MMR immunization uptake in non-immune women

Abstract

The percentage of rubella susceptible pregnant women has increased recently. Main approaches to postpartum measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization are either immunization before discharge or a recommendation to attend GPs for vaccination after discharge. As there is no national surveillance of MMR uptake postpartum in non-immune women, an audit was carried out in two delivery units using different approaches. In the unit using referral to GPs, only 29% (22/76) of women could be confirmed as having received MMR immunization six months post delivery. The approach offering MMR immunization in the delivery unit postpartum showed a confirmed uptake of 60% (26/43). Therefore the latter approach is more effective and likely to result in better uptake than referring women to their GPs. It should be used to provide immunization to vulnerable women since this would lead to a reduction in the number at risk of acquiring rubella during pregnancy.