Perceptions and acceptance of immunization during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate patients' perceptions of the need, safety and acceptability of vaccination during pregnancy.


METHODS
An office-based survey was offered to patients presenting for obstetric and gynecologic care from December 2007 to July 2008 at an academic women's hospital. The anonymous questionnaire assessed demographics, medical and vaccination history, interest in receiving vaccines, and beliefs about vaccination safety. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and chi2 analyses.


RESULTS
A total of 1,436 completed surveys were available for analysis, including 573 from pregnant women. Pregnant women were less likely than non-pregnant women to report perceived risks from vaccine-preventable illness (22.8% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001) and to believe that their doctor thinks they should get vaccines (42.6% vs. 49.7%, p < 0.027). Nearly two-thirds (61%) reported concern about possible vaccine effects on their pregnancy. However, the overwhelming majority (89%) of pregnant women surveyed reported willingness to accept vaccination during pregnancy if recommended by their obstetrician.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite concerns about vaccine safety and a low perceived need for immunization, most pregnant respondents endorse acceptance of vaccination when recommended by their obstetrician. These findings suggest that obstetric providers should maximize opportunities for uptake of appropriate immunizations during pregnancy.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. mmoniz@med.umich.edu
Michelle H
MH
Moniz
Wendy S
WS
Vitek
Aletha
A
Akers
Leslie A
LA
Meyn
Richard H
RH
Beigi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult