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. 2022 Oct 24:3:929173.
doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.929173. eCollection 2022.

Vaccination in pregnancy: The role of the midwife

Caroline S E Homer  1   2 , Nasrin Javid  2   3 , Kellie Wilton  4 , Zoe Bradfield  5
Affiliations

Vaccination in pregnancy: The role of the midwife

Caroline S E Homer et al. Front Glob Womens Health. .

Abstract

Midwives are the front-line workers providing maternity care for women in many countries. The role of the midwife includes providing information about, and recommendations for, maternal vaccination in pregnancy and for the baby in the postnatal period. Vaccinations recommended in pregnancy include those to prevent influenza, pertussis, tetanus and now COVID-19. Vaccinations for the newborn baby include hepatitis B. Healthcare professionals play an important role in influencing decision-making around vaccination and midwives are key in supporting vaccination uptake. Midwives are strong influencer in women's decisions around vaccination for themselves and their babies. The COVID-19 vaccination programs have shone a light on vaccination in pregnancy especially as SARS-COV-2 infection has significant adverse effects in pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective in pregnancy. Despite this, there is vaccine hesitancy from pregnant women in many countries. Midwives play a unique role in the provision of care to women and families but they need specific support and information regarding vaccination in pregnancy. Targeted education, supportive mentoring and supervision and opportunities to lead innovative ways of ensuring vaccine access is logistically easy and possible are all needed. This Commentary outlines the key vaccinations recommended in pregnancy including COVID-19 vaccination and highlights some strategies to scale-up vaccination programs in pregnancy with a particular focus on the role of midwives.

Keywords: COVID-19; influenza; maternal health; midwife as a health service provider; pertussis; pregnancy; tetanus; vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
COVID-19 vaccination information for midwives.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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