Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Jul 2018
Understanding the barriers to uptake of antenatal vaccination by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: A cross-sectional study.
The role of maternal vaccination in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality is expanding but uptake remains suboptimal. While the barriers to uptake have been well described, women from minority groups have not been well represented in previous studies. In this study we examine the facilitators and barriers to uptake of antenatal vaccination by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia. 537 women attending antenatal care completed a survey; 69% were born overseas. 63% had or intended to receive pertussis vaccine and 57% had or intended to receive influenza vaccine during their pregnancy. ⋯ Lack of healthcare provider recommendation was the main reason for non-vaccination (17/46, 37%). While most women were aware of and intended to receive recommended vaccinations, recently arrived migrant women (resident in Australia for less than two years) were less likely to be aware of pertussis vaccine (15/22, 68% vs 452/513, 88%, p = 0.01) and less likely to believe it to be safe during pregnancy (4/22, 18% vs 299/514, 58%, p < 0.001). This highlights the important role of healthcare providers in recommending and educating women, particularly newly arrived migrant women, in their decisions about vaccination during pregnancy.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Jul 2018
Clinician perspectives on strategies to improve patient maternal immunization acceptability in obstetrics and gynecology practice settings.
Pregnancy is an ideal time to communicate with women about vaccines for themselves and their infants, yet maternal immunization rates remain suboptimal. This study aimed to identify clinic, provider, and staff-related attributes and facilitators to be utilized for a comprehensive vaccine intervention in ob-gyn clinical settings. We conducted in-depth interviews with 24 providers, both healthcare providers (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives) and practice managers, from urban and suburban ob-gyn practices in Georgia and Colorado about their immunization attitudes, practices, and patient experiences. ⋯ Although providers expressed strong support for maternal immunization practices and offered environmental cues for vaccine promotion, practices often lacked a designated, structured role for an immunization champion equipped to manage delicate conversations with patients. The findings reflect needs for immunization champion identification, training, and support, along with best practices guidelines to improve coordination of vaccine promotion and delivery efforts in ob-gyn provider offices. Additionally, provider training on communication approaches to enhance acceptance and uptake of maternal vaccines is warranted.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Jul 2018
Investigating Italian parents' vaccine hesitancy: A cross-sectional survey.
This cross-sectional survey was designed to assess the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and to identify factors associated among a randomly selected sample of parents. A questionnaire was self-administered from October to December 2017 to a sample of parents of children aged 2 to 6 years attending five randomly selected pre-schools in the geographic area of Naples, Italy. Out of the 727 selected parents, 437 returned the questionnaires for a response rate of 60.1%. ⋯ More than half of parents (53.8%) expressed a desire to receive additional information about the childhood vaccinations. Parents who were not sure and uncertain that to follow the recommended shot schedule is a good idea for their children and those who were parents of first-born children were more likely to need additional information. This study finds a high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among parents suggesting that in the immunization program is necessary to achieve a higher quality of the relationship between pediatricians and the community.