Influenza Vaccine Coverage Rate and Related Factors on Pregnant Women.
- Author:
Mi Jung KIM
1
;
Seung Youn LEE
;
Kwang Soo LEE
;
Aerum KIM
;
Dongwook SON
;
Moon Hyun CHUNG
;
Shin Goo PARK
;
Ji Hyun PARK
;
Byung Ik LEE
;
Jin Soo LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Influenza vaccine; Immunization rate; Pregnant women; Vaccination
- MeSH: Compliance; Female; Humans; Immunization; Immunocompromised Host; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Pandemics; Parturition; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnant Women; Seasons; Telephone; Vaccination; Surveys and Questionnaires
- From: Infection and Chemotherapy 2009;41(6):349-354
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: During seasonal influenza epidemics and previous pandemics, pregnant women have been at increased risk for complications related to influenza infection. Although influenza vaccination has been widely recommended to pregnant women and immunocompromised hosts, the vaccination rate is presumed to be low in pregnant women. This study was aimed to evaluate the vaccination rate and factors associated with Influenza vaccination among pregnant women, who are at high risk for developing complications from the influenza. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out by telephone survey from April, 2007 to August, 2007. Women who were in their second trimester of pregnancy or above,- during October, 2006 and February, 2007, the recommended vaccination period, and had given birth at Inha University Hospital were selected as the study population. Immunization status, general understanding, and factors associated with vaccination were evaluated. RESULTS: Among a total of 506 eligible pregnant women, 227 (44.8%) responded to the questionnaires. The influenza vaccination rate among the pregnant women was only 4% (9/227). Major reasons for not receiving vaccination were first, not awaring the necessity of immunization during pregnancy (48.5%, 110/227) and second, misunderstanding that it is prohibited during pregnancy (36.1%, 82/227). The major factors that influenced the compliance of vaccination were correct understanding and doctor's recommendation on the influenza immunization during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The influenza vaccine coverage on pregnant women was very low and the awareness of influenza vaccination during pregnancy in general was inaccurate. Shift in perception is required and this can be achieved by educating the pregnant women on the safety and efficacy of vaccination. In addition, doctors' active encouragement to vaccination is highly recommended.
