Vulnerable groups within a vulnerable population: Awareness of the A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic and willingness to be vaccinated among pregnant women in ivory coast

Abstract

Background Because little is known about attitudes toward influenza and influenza vaccine among pregnant women in West Africa, before local distribution of A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine in Ivory Coast we assessed knowledge of the pandemic and acceptance of the A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine in a diverse population of pregnant women.Methods A cross-sectional intercept survey of 411 pregnant women in 4 prenatal care settings was conducted during 15-28 February 2010 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.Results The majority (64.5%) of pregnant women said they had heard of the influenza pandemic, and of these, the majority (61.3%) were aware of the A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine. However, awareness varied significantly by clinical setting, education level, and access to media (P