Uptake of influenza vaccine in pregnant women during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic

The goals of this study were to define the uptake of H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy among women delivering during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and explore barriers to vaccination. All postpartum women at the Massachusetts General Hospital from January 2010 through March 2010 were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire about demographics, vaccination status, and attitudes about vaccination during pregnancy. Among 370 participants (53% response rate), 81% accepted both the H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines during pregnancy. Patients who declined one or both vaccines cited concerns over safety as a major deterrent. Of the 36% of participants who reported having flu-like symptoms during this pregnancy only 8.6% took oseltamivir. While a high vaccination rate was identified in this study, further education is needed to reassure patients regarding vaccine safety. Education for providers and patients emphasizing the benefits of early treatment of pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should be a priority.

Key words: H1N1, influenza, pregnancy, vaccination