Acceptance of a pandemic avian influenza vaccine in pregnancy

J Reprod Med. 2009 Jun;54(6):341-6.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate acceptance of a pandemic avian influenza vaccine among obstetric patients and nonphysician obstetric office personnel.

Study design: Two separate office-based questionnaires were administered to patients and nonphysician personnel. Questions included demographics, vaccine beliefs and acceptance of a potential pandemic avian influenza vaccine in pregnancy.

Results: Questionnaires were completed by 394 of 600 (65.7%) eligible patients and 101 of 134 (75.3%) eligible office personnel. Only 15.4% of the patients stated they would definitely accept a pandemic influenza vaccine in pregnancy despite most (68%) reporting they would first consult their obstetrician for information. Fifty percent of the office personnel would not recommend a pandemic influenza vaccine to pregnant women and 40% reported unwillingness to accept the same vaccine if they were pregnant.

Conclusion: Barriers exist that may hinder mass vaccination efforts among the pregnant population during the next influenza pandemic. Preemptive educational efforts may assist in the acceptance of a pandemic vaccine among pregnant women and enable obstetricians to better provide disease prevention during the next influenza pandemic.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Pregnancy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines