Acceptance of Influenza Vaccination among Pregnant Women attending the Antenatal Care Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the acceptance rate and associated factors of influenza vaccination among Thai pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from November 2014 to March 2015. Pregnant women were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires that collected data on acceptance of vaccination, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding to influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The associated factors were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 412 women completed the questionnaires. Acceptance rate of influenza vaccination among the participants was 40.5% (95% CI 35.9-45.3). Most participants (320 women, 77.7%) had good knowledge about influenza and the vaccine. Factors positively associated with the acceptance were ‘advice from physicians’ (adjusted OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.55-4.39), ‘notification about vaccination in current pregnancy’ (adjusted OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.17-2.89), ‘protection of newborn’ (adjusted OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.74-4.62) and ‘cost of vaccination’ (adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.46-3.82). Negatively associated factors included ‘experience of side effects following past vaccination’ (adjusted OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.74), ‘belief that vaccination is unnecessary’ (adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.86), and ‘unsafe during the first trimester’ (adjusted OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34-0.90). Conclusion: Acceptance rate of influenza vaccination during pregnancy among women in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital was 40.5%. To increase vaccination rate, health care providers should advise or mention on influenza vaccination and provide information to support that the immunization can protect their newborns and is safe at any trimester.