2009 H1N1 vaccination by pregnant women during the 2009-10 H1N1 influenza pandemic

ObjectivePregnant women were identified at greater risk and given priority for 2009 H1N1 vaccination during the 2009 through 2010 H1N1 pandemic. We identified factors associated with acceptance or refusal of 2009 H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy.Study DesignWe conducted an in-person survey of postpartum women on the labor and delivery service from June 17 through Aug. 13, 2010, at 4 New York hospitals.ResultsOf 1325 survey respondents, 34.2% received 2009 H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy. A provider recommendation was most strongly associated with vaccine acceptance (odds ratio [OR], 19.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.7-31.1). Also more likely to take vaccine were women indicating the vaccine was safe for the fetus (OR, 12.4; 95% CI, 8.3-19.0) and those who previously took seasonal flu vaccination (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 5.8-10.7). Race, education, income, and age were less important in accepting vaccine.ConclusionGreater emphasis on vaccine safety and provider recommendation is needed to increase the number of women vaccinated during pregnancy.