Different perspectives of immunizations during pregnancy

Abstract

Background/aim: Pregnant women and infants are at risk of severe lower respiratory tract infections induced by influenza or pertussis.The uptake of both vaccines is poor in spite of proven benefits and safety. We aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of pregnantwomen and their primary healthcare providers towards immunization during pregnancy.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional and interventional study was conducted in northern Turkey in 2016. It had 3 differentgroups including 786 pregnant women, 146 primary healthcare staff, and 97 family practitioners. Different questionnaires were filled byeach group. The intervention phase of the study consisted of education of the expectant mothers about immunizations during pregnancy.Results: 786 pregnant women aged between 17–44 years were enrolled to the study. Most of the participants had favourable attitudeabout vaccination, but only 1.1% had influenza immunization, none had Tdap immunization. None of the participants joining theintervention stage were immunized. The healthcare staff and family physicians had knowledge about vaccinations, but had abstentionfor administration. Postexposure prophylaxis was also provided by referral centres.Conclusions: Most of the participants either pregnant women or healthcare workers were not vaccinated against pertussis and influenza.Dissemination of maternal immunization must be supported by the team work of healthcare professionals, authorities, universities,professional associations, stake holders, media and patients with current, evidence based knowledge.