Uptake of Influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnancy [A126

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Immunization plays an essential role in protecting the mother and child dyad from serious illnesses. Despite current recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination rates in the U.S. are significantly below 100%. The aim of this study is to assess uptake of influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy among a culturally diverse population in South Florida. METHODS: An institutional review board‒approved cross-sectional survey was administered among inpatient postpartum persons between July and September 2021. The 359 enrolled participants completed a survey assessing basic demographics and vaccination history. Chi-square tests, set at a significance level of P<.05, compared uptake of each vaccine by ethnicity and U.S.-born status. RESULTS: Of the 359 participants, 67.7% self-identified as White, 67.4% reported Hispanic ethnicity, and 68.5% were non-U.S.-born. Compared to the 2019–2020 national average, Tdap vaccine uptake in this cohort was higher (74.7% versus 56.6%) and influenza vaccine uptake was lower (45.1% versus 61.2%). COVID-19 vaccine uptake during the study period mirrored the national average (18.1% versus 18.9%). Generally, there was higher vaccination uptake among Hispanics and non-U.S.-born individuals. However, a significant difference was only observed for uptake in influenza vaccine between U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born persons (chi-square=11.54, P=.0007). CONCLUSION: The suboptimal rates of influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccination seen in this cohort demonstrate the necessity for interventions to improve education about the safety and effectiveness of vaccination in pregnancy. Furthermore, increased efforts to maximize availability and access to vaccines during prenatal care are also needed. Together, these strategies may increase vaccine uptake in pregnancy, especially across diverse populations.