Improving influenza vaccination coverage in pregnancy in Melbourne 2010-2011

Abstract

Background Seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy is effective in preventing serious maternal and infant respiratory illness, but published Australian audits are sparse concerning practice. Aims Guided by information gained from new mothers about obstacles to influenza vaccination in July 2010, an educational program for maternity staff and pregnant women was developed with the aim of improving vaccine uptake in 2011. Methods One hundred and ninety-nine new mothers in July 2010 and 240 new mothers in July 2011 on postnatal wards of a tertiary obstetric hospital were interviewed about whether influenza vaccine had been offered or given and about reasons why women chose for or against..