Estimated Influenza Vaccination Level and Related Factors Among Pregnant Women by Mid-November 2010 Using a Rapid Web-Based Internet Panel Survey

Background: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, however historically only about 15% were vaccinated and vaccination activities declined rapidly around Thanksgiving.

Objectives: To monitor influenza vaccination levels mid-November of the 2010-11 season among pregnant women and associated factors to inform efforts to promote continued vaccination uptake throughout the season.

Methods: We used a web-based internet panel to conduct a survey November 11-22, 2010 to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among women (≥18 years) who were pregnant at any time August 2010 through mid-November 2010 and related factors including place where vaccinated, reason for non-vaccination, and vaccination intent. Weighted percentages and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: Of all identified eligible pregnant women 1,396 completed the survey for a 92.7% completion rate. Overall, influenza vaccination coverage by mid-November 2010 was 44.8% (95% confidence interval, 41.8-47.8). An additional 5% of women reported they definitely intended to be vaccinated during the season before delivery. Slightly more than one-third of women were vaccinated at their OB/GYN’s office (35.8%) and nearly one-quarter were vaccinated at either their family doctor or another doctor’s office (22.5%). A little more than one in ten were vaccinated at a pharmacy or drug store (11.7%). The top three reasons for not receiving the vaccination were concern about the vaccination safety risk to themselves (56.8%), or concern that their vaccination will give them the flu (53.7%), and not be safe for their baby (48.6%).

Conclusions: By mid November, influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women was higher than historical levels and was similar to coverage for the 2009-10 season. Communication messages should focus on reinforcing, through prenatal care and other providers, the safety of vaccination during pregnancy and vaccination can protect mother and baby throughout the influenza season.