Pregnant Women's Opinions and Acceptance of Influenza and Tdap Vaccines

Abstract

Background: Influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations during pregnancy protect mother and infant. However, acceptance of these vaccines during pregnancy is suboptimal, especially among Black women in the United States. We characterize vaccine intentions and opinions of pregnant patients at two prenatal care clinics before and after reading informational text. Methods: A survey was distributed to pregnant patients at prenatal clinics in Winchester, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida. The survey assessed patient demographics and vaccine opinions and acceptance before and after patients read informational text about the vaccines. Associations between demographics and vaccine opinions and acceptance were assessed using Chi-square; Principal Component Analysis was used to produce an influenza vaccine opinion score. Differences in the opinion score between groups were assessed by ANOVA and ANCOVA. Results: Respondents (n = 654) who identified as Black and with lower educational attainment reported lower receipt of the influenza vaccine outside of pregnancy and receipt of or plans to receive the influenza and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy (p < 0.001). Respondents' influenza vaccine practices outside of pregnancy were associated with their likelihood of getting the vaccine while pregnant. Most respondents found the informational text useful; among women not yet vaccinated, 26% reported they were more likely to receive the influenza vaccine and 49.9% more likely to receive the Tdap vaccine after reading the text. Conclusions: Women have varying opinions and make different decisions about immunization, with race and educational level being significant correlates. Participants generally welcomed information about vaccines, and many were influenced positively, especially for Tdap.