Monitoring seasonal influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women in the United States

Abstract

This report describes surveillance systems used for assessing influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women in the United States. Coverage estimates and factors associated with maternal vaccination are reviewed for internet panel surveys of pregnant women and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS); new estimates are reported from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Internet panel surveys. Influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women improved from 11% during the 2001-2002 influenza season to approximately 38% measured by BRFSS and 50% measured by Internet panel surveys during the 2010-2011 influenza season. Coverage varied by state, ranging from 26% to 68% among the states participating in PRAMS in 2009-2010. Provider recommendation increased a woman's likelihood of vaccination nearly 6-fold. Despite increases in influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women, approximately half remain unvaccinated. Continued efforts are needed to ensure pregnant women receive recommendations and offers of vaccination from their health care providers.