Vaccination coverage for pregnant women in Chonburi Province during COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women should take a combination dT/Tdap and influenza vaccine during the second trimester of pregnancy, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine following the second trimester, according to Thailand’s National Immunization Programme. The vaccine coverage survey among pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak in Chonburi province was conducted to understand the vaccination status of the target group. The Ministry of Public Health can use this information to develop operational guidelines that align with the context of the target group to prevent illness through vaccination in pregnant women and future newborns.
Objectives: To study the vaccination coverage of COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and combined dT/Tdap vaccine in pregnant women in Chonburi province.
Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional study that collected data through interviews with mother who brought infants to the Child Health Clinic for care. Interviews with 1,003 people in total were conducted, and data was collected between October 1 and November 30, 2022.
Study Results: From the survey on vaccination coverage in pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak in Chonburi province, it was found that the coverage of COVID-19 vaccine at least 1 dose in pregnant women was 52.35 %, with an average gestational age of 23 weeks. Influenza vaccine coverage (at least 1 dose) was 62.60 % with an average gestational age of 22.7 weeks, and dT/Tdap vaccine coverage was 68.81 % with an average gestational age of 20.9 weeks. The majority of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance comes from receiving recommendations from medical personnel. The next reasons are for self-protection and to protect the fetus (63.36%, 44.66%, and 29.96% respectively). “The majority of influenza vaccine acceptance comes from receiving recommendations from medical personnel. The next reasons are to protect the fetus and to self-protection. (77.16%, 18.85%, and 18.53% respectively).” And the acceptance of dT/Tdap vaccine is mainly based on receiving recommendations from medical personnel. The next reasons are to protect pregnant women and to protect oneself (70.47%, 19.88%, and 18.27% respectively). The main reasons for not receiving vaccines were primarily fear of side effects, having received the COVID-19 vaccine before pregnancy, having previously received the required dT/Tdap vaccine, being unsure about the necessity, and believing they were not at risk.                                                              Summary: Pregnant women receive more influenza and dT/Tdap vaccines than COVID-19 vaccines, so vaccination should be accelerated in accordance with national policy. and to reach target criteria, boost vaccination coverage in accordance with the immunization plan. Healthcare professionals have a critical role in influencing vaccine acceptability among the target groups. It is critical to provide information and understanding for the target groups, encompassing topics such as policy awareness, importance of the disease, risk factors, disease prevention, efficiency of vaccination, and adverse event of immunization. The development of risk communication skills and the establishment of standardized risk communication mechanisms are crucial factors in supporting a positive attitude among the target groups. This positive attitude can lead to better-informed decisions regarding vaccine
acceptance, maximizing the benefits of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in pregnant women and infants.