Obstacles and motivators associated with vaccine uptake for influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis during pregnancy

ABSTRACT Background: Vaccination during pregnancy is a crucial strategy to protect both the mother and fetus from infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two essential vaccines for pregnant women: The influenza vaccine and the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Aims: Our aim in this study is to evaluate uptake rate, obstacles and motivators of influenza and Tdap vaccines among pregnant ladies in Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital (MCH). Methods: This study was conducted from March 2024 to November 2024, involving 501 participants. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Results: A total of 501 pregnant women participated in the study. Only 9 (1.8%) received the influenza vaccine, and 16 (3.2%) received the Tdap vaccine. The top reason for vaccination was the maternity care provider’s recommendation - 77.8% for influenza and 93.8% for Tdap. Common reasons for not getting vaccinated included thinking the vaccines were not necessary and believing they did not belong to the group of people who needed the vaccines. Significant associations with influenza vaccination were seen in younger women ( P = 0.047), healthcare workers ( P = 0.025), and women pregnant for the first time ( P = 0.007); the latter was also linked to Tdap vaccination. Conclusion: This study found low vaccination rates among pregnant women. There is a clear knowledge gap affecting vaccination rates, which needs to be addressed by increasing awareness about vaccination.