PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Tina Barrett AU - Edel McEntee AU - Richard Drew AU - Fiona O’Reilly AU - Austin O’Carroll AU - Aisling O’Shea AU - Brian Cleary TI - Influenza vaccination in pregnancy: vaccine uptake, maternal and healthcare providers’ knowledge and attitudes. A quantitative study AID - 10.3399/bjgpopen18X101599 DP - 2018 Oct 01 TA - BJGP Open PG - bjgpopen18X101599 VI - 2 IP - 3 4099 - http://bjgpopen.org/content/2/3/bjgpopen18X101599.short 4100 - http://bjgpopen.org/content/2/3/bjgpopen18X101599.full SO - BJGP Open2018 Oct 01; 2 AB - Background Influenza during pregnancy is a potentially life threatening illness. There are limited data on influenza vaccination uptake and determinants of uptake in Irish obstetric populations.Aim To determine the uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy; determinants of vaccination uptake; knowledge, attitudes, and concerns of postnatal women; and knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) surrounding vaccination.Design & setting A quantitative study of postnatal women attending the Rotunda Hospital, a tertiary referral maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland. A separate quantitative study conducted by the North Dublin City GP Training Programme surveyed GPs, pharmacists, and Rotunda Hospital clinical staff.Method A paper-based survey was distributed to postnatal women. HCPs completed the survey via the online tool Survey Monkey.Results 330 patient surveys were disseminated, with a 60.0% response rate. Of 198 responders, 109 (55.1%) were vaccinated against influenza. Non-professionals were less likely to be vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09 to 0.89). Vaccination in previous pregnancy (aOR 5.2, 95% CI = 1.69 to 15.62) and information from an HCP were strongly associated with vaccination (aOR 12.8, 95% CI = 2.65 to 62.5). There was a 20.2% (n = 1180) response rate among HCPs. More GPs felt that it was their role to discuss vaccination (92.9%; n = 676), and offer to vaccinate women (91.7%; n = 666) than any other HCP.Conclusion Provision of information about the importance of vaccination against influenza and pertussis during pregnancy by HCPs and their consistent recommendations in support of vaccination were key determinants of vaccine uptake during pregnancy. The sociodemographic determinants of a woman’s vaccination status should be addressed in health promotion campaigns. Education of HCPs may address knowledge gaps surrounding vaccination.