Influenza vaccination in pregnancy

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to determine the acceptance rate of and incidence of adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine in pregnant women, and to determine the immunized patients' attitudes toward future vaccination. A total of 448 eligible pregnant women were offered the influenza vaccine at routine prenatal visits. Vaccinated women were interviewed at their subsequent visit regarding adverse effects and attitudes toward future vaccination. Of the 448 women studied, 319 (71.2%) accepted the vaccine. There was no difference in acceptance rates between English- and Spanish-speaking women. Mild adverse reactions were experienced by 5.3%. Women who reported adverse reactions were less likely to agree to future vaccination as compared with unaffected women (64.7 vs. 94.0% p < 0.001). The influenza vaccine is readily accepted by pregnant women, and is infrequently associated with mild side effects. Women who experience side effects are less likely to accept the vaccine in the future.