The Acceptability of a Novel Group B Streptococcus Vaccine in Pregnant Women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading infectious cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Currently, intrapartum antibiotic treatment is the only means to decrease vertical transmission. Studies have shown that a vaccine administered during the third trimester is the most cost-effective option for GBS prevention, but the acceptability of such a vaccine to pregnant women is unknown. METHODS: Women 18 years of age or older and 20–40 weeks of gestation at the time of their obstetric visit to two university-affiliated clinics were eligible for participation. Participants read an informational handout on GBS and completed a survey rating, on an 11-point scale (0–10), the likelihood they would elect to receive vaccines with five variable characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 17. Conjoint analysis determined importance scores, which reflected the degree to which vaccine dimensions influenced scenario ratings (the sum of importance scores across the five dimensions 100). RESULTS: One hundred of 120 women approached completed the survey. The mean acceptability rating across all scenarios was 6.7 (standard deviation 2.3). Health care provider recommendation was the most influential (importance score 38.5) followed by vaccine efficacy (importance score 29.1). Vaccine cost (importance score 13.2), percentage of women vaccinated (importance score 11.8), and side effects (importance score 8.3) had less influence on ratings. CONCLUSIONS: When a GBS vaccine becomes available, health care provider endorsement, and therefore preemptive education will be critical in achieving high levels of vaccination in the pregnant population.