CDC: Influenza Vaccination in Pregnancy is Lacking, Despite Guidelines

Only half of pregnant women were vaccinated against influenza during the 2017-2018 flu season, according to survey results reported by the CDC.

In order to assess influenza and Tdap vaccination coverage among pregnant women during the 2017-2018 influenza season, the CDC examined data from an internet panel survey with 1771 respondents.

Of these participants, 49.1% reported receiving the influenza vaccine before or during their pregnancy, while 54.4% of the 700 respondents who had a live birth reported receiving Tdap during their pregnancy. Receipt of both vaccines was reported by 32.8% of women with a recent live birth.

Offer of influenza vaccination by a provider was reported by 66.6% of participants, while 14.5% reported a recommendation to be vaccinated but no offer and 19% received no recommendation. Among these 3 groups, the percentages of women who received influenza vaccines were 63.8%, 37.6%, and 9.0%, respectively.

Among women with a recent live birth, 67.4% reported receiving an offer of Tdap, 11.9% received a recommendation but no offer, and 20.7% received no recommendation. Among these 3 groups, the percentages of women who received Tdap were 73.5%, 38.3%, and 1.6%, respectively.

Belief that the vaccine was not effective was the most commonly reported reason for not receiving the influenza vaccination, while lack of knowledge was the most commonly reported reason for not receiving the Tdap vaccine.

“Despite ACIP recommendations, maternal vaccination with influenza and Tdap vaccines is suboptimal, and missed opportunities to vaccinate are common. Findings in this report reinforced the importance of a provider’s recommendation and offer of vaccination, or referral, to pregnant patients in receipt of recommended vaccination.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Kahn KE, Black CL, Ding H, et al. Influenza and Tdap vaccination coverage among pregnant women — United States, April 2018. MMWR. 67(38);1055–1059.