Vaccine Refusal Among Pregnant Women Is Entirely Too Common

Routine immunization of pregnant women against pertussis and influenza is recommended, yet coverage in the U.S remains suboptimal. In a nationally representative survey of 331 obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns; 69% response rate), investigators explored the beliefs that lead women to refuse these immunizations and the clinical strategies perceived as best for overcoming vaccine hesitance.

Vaccine refusal by >10% of pregnant patients was noted by 62% of ob-gyns for influenza vaccine and 32% of ob-gyns for tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap). Physicians reported that their patients refused vaccines because these women believed the influenza vaccine made them ill (48%), they felt they were not at risk for…