Suitable but requiring support: How the midwifery model of care offers opportunities to counsel the vaccine hesitant pregnant population

Abstract

Uptake of vaccination during pregnancy in Canada is lower than comparator countries. A recommendation from a trusted perinatal healthcare provider is a key opportunity to promote vaccine uptake and improve confidence. This study aims to identify barriers and opportunities to vaccination in midwifery care. Seventeen semi-structured telephone interviews with practicing midwives, educators and public health professionals with immunization training experiences were conducted. Documents pertaining to the midwifery profession (approx. 50) were reviewed. Inductive thematic analysis identified logistical, interprofessional, and information barriers preventing Canadian midwives from administering vaccines and counseling clients about vaccination, as well as opportunities to address each barrier. Key interventions at the level of logistics, training, and client information materials would help address barriers to the integration of midwives into the provision and recommendation of vaccines in perinatal care across Canada.