Objectives To explore the current context in which maternal influenza vaccination (MIV) is delivered in Kuwait and to identify determinants influencing its provision and uptake from the perspectives of preventive medicine professionals (PMPs), including policymakers. Design Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with purposely selected PMPs including policymakers. Interview questions were obtained from the Tailoring Immunization Programme for improving MIV in Europe. Setting PMPs from six governmental regions of Kuwait, including hospitals and associated polyclinics. Data collection was conducted between March and June 2022. Participants A total of 10 participants reflected diverse professional and population contexts, including Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti professionals working in rural and urban settings. Cell sampling was used to ensure representation across key roles involved in MIV delivery, including policymakers, vaccination campaign managers and campaign implementers. Results Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes: barriers, facilitators, influences on MIV uptake and suggested interventions. Key barriers included limited knowledge among pregnant women and healthcare providers (HCPs), lack of prioritisation of pregnant women within vaccination programmes, shortage of vaccine supply and the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators and influential factors included the presence of vaccination champions, targeted health promotion activities and the availability of a Ministry of Health (MoH) hotline for addressing concerns and system-level accessibility and digital facilitation of MIV uptake. Suggested interventions emphasised strengthening HCP education through continuous training aligned with clear national policies and guidelines. Conclusion This study highlights the need for clear national policies and clinical guidelines to support consistent MIV provision, alongside ongoing education for HCPs in Kuwait to strengthen MIV recommendation. Future research should include obstetricians, given their central role in antenatal care, to ensure MIV strategies are clinically grounded and integrated into routine maternity services.
Alhendyani et al. (Sun,) studied this question.