Factors influencing women’s decisions about having the pertussis-containing vaccine during pregnancy

Abstract

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION New Zealand experienced a major epidemic of pertussis from September 2011 to January 2014. In response to this epidemic, a pertussis-containing tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine was funded for pregnant women of 28–38 weeks’ gestation. AIM To investigate the factors influencing women’s decisions regarding having the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. METHODS A retrospective, self-reported postal survey of early postpartum women in Canterbury that assessed participant knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and influencing factors about the Tdap vaccine was conducted from June to October 2013. RESULTS Of the 1883 surveys distributed, 596 women completed the survey. The main factors influencing women’s decisions to accept the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy were: the desire to protect their baby, a health professional’s recommendation, the threat of pertussis in the community and the fact that the vaccine was administered at no cost. Conversely, for women who did not receive the Tdap vaccine, the main factors that influenced their decisions were: they did not know the vaccine was available, fear of side-effects and doubt regarding vaccine effectiveness. CONCLUSION A clear health professional recommendation for maternal Tdap immunisation was a significant factor influencing pregnant women and would most likely improve the uptake of the vaccine.