Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Vaccination Against Influenza in Pregnancy: A Survey of Canadian Maternity Care Providers
Authors: Dube, Eve; Gagnon, Dominique; Kaminsky, Kyla; Green, Courtney R.; Ouakki, Mangle; Bettinger, Julie A.; Brousseau, Nicholas; Castillo, Eliana; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Driedger, S. Michelle; Greyson, Devon; Fell, Deshayne; Fisher, William; Gagneur, Arnaud; Guay, Maryse; Halperin, Donna; Halperin, Scott A.; MacDonald, Shannon; Meyer, Samantha B.; Waite, Nancy M.; Wilson, Kumanan; Witteman, Holly O.; Yudin, Mark; Cook, Jocelynn L.
Journal: JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA Volume 41 Issue 4
Date of Publication:2019
Abstract:
Objective: Influenza vaccine uptake among Canadian pregnant individuals is suboptimal. Failure to incorporate vaccination into routine prenatal care and a lack of recommendations from healthcare providers are recognized as barriers to vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess Canadian maternity care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza vaccination in pregnancy.Methods: A cross-sectional Web-based questionnaire was sent during July and August 2017 to family physicians, obstetricians-gynaecologists, midwives, pharmacists, and nurses who care for pregnant individuals. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine variables independently associated with providers' recommendation of the influenza vaccine in pregnancy.Results: The analysis included 1061 providers. Most participants (85%) reported being vaccinated against influenza themselves, and 72% reported recommending the influenza vaccine to all of their pregnant patients during the previous influenza season. Participants' attitudes regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy were generally positive: 64% strongly agreed that pregnant individuals are at an increased risk of complications from influenza, and 69% strongly agreed that it is safe to vaccinate pregnant individuals against influenza. The main determinants of participants' recommendations for influenza vaccination to all pregnant patients were following official recommendations on influenza vaccination, discussing vaccines with most or all pregnant individuals seen in their practice, and being vaccinated themselves during the previous influenza season.Conclusion: Enhancing influenza vaccine uptake in pregnancy is largely dependent on maternity care providers' recommendations. This study provides valuable insight on providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. (C) 2019 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Societe des obstetriciens et gynecologues du Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.