Vaccinazione antinfluenzale in gravidanza: uno studio pilota nelle Marche

Pregnant women are at increased risk for serious complications from influenza virus infection, but despite its clinical importance, influenza vaccination coverage is extremely low. The aim of this study was to estimate the adhesion of pregnant women to influenza vaccination, the reasons related to their choice and their attitude toward child immunization. Pregnant women attending obstetrics and gynecology departments from August to October 2016 filled in an ad hoc questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about flu disease and flu vaccination and attitude toward child immunization were explored. Factors associated to child immunization were tested with univariate analysis. Despite a discrete consciousness about the severity of the disease, knowledge about immunization was scarce and none of the 123 responding women were vaccinated against influenza: most frequent reason given for refusing vaccine was the fear of side effects (45%). Regarding to mother’s attitudes towards child immunization, factors associated with vaccine acceptance (p <0,05) were: being married/cohabiting, having contracted influenza in the past and getting information from scientific sources. This study confirms low influenza vaccine coverage in pregnant women and their lack of correct information. Health care providers should work to increase women’s knowledge about vaccination benefits during pregnancy