Influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women during the 2023–2024 influenza season in Turkiye, a cross sectional study

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of influenza vaccination and associated factors among pregnant women in Mersin during the 2023–2024 influenza season. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Mersin in Turkiye, focusing on pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. A sample size was calculated as 750 pregnant women in eight Primary Care Centers. A total of 1430 women were identified, and 871 participated. Data were collected using an 11-question data form on demographics and influenza vaccination status. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and chi-square test and mann whitney u test were used to be significance tests. Statistical significance was accepted as at p < 0.05. A total of 871 women participated, with a mean age of 30.0 years (Min = 17.0 - Max = 48.0). Of them, 5.4% were recommended the influenza vaccine during pregnancy, and 1.6% received it. Among those unvaccinated, 70.1% were unaware of the recommendation. Vaccination rates were higher in Yenişehir district (3.6%), among university graduates (4.5%), employed women (especially in the health sector) (3.9%), and those who knew about the vaccine recommendation or payment coverage. Women who received a vaccination recommendation (29.8%) or knew who paid for the vaccine (25.6%) also had higher vaccination rates. It was concluded that the rate of influenza vaccination in pregnant women during the influenza season was very low, they did not know that influenza vaccination was necessary and that the rate of influenza vaccination could increase if recommended to pregnant women.