Why Does Uptake of Tdap and Influenza Vaccine Remain Suboptimal in Pregnant Women?

Women should receive influenza and Tdap vaccines in every pregnancy to protect themselves and their infants. To ascertain the uptake of these vaccines among pregnant women, an internet survey was conducted in California in April 2018. Among 1771 respondents who were pregnant during peak influenza season, only 49% had received the flu vaccine. Among 700 women who recently delivered, 54% received Tdap, but only 33% received both immunizations. About 20% of women reported not receiving recommendations to be vaccinated. Concerns about safety were also common, especially for influenza vaccine.

To better understand the reasons for missing Tdap immunization during pregnancy, California investigators interviewed mothers of 114 infants who were young…