Knowledge of maternity caregivers on vaccination BCG recommendations and circuits

INTRODUCTION: In France, 4866 cases of tuberculosis were reported in 2023, of which 5.3% involved children. The pediatric population is at higher risk of developing severe forms (miliary or meningeal tuberculosis). The BCG vaccine is effective in protecting young children against these severe forms. It is recommended for a targeted pediatric population, but vaccine coverage remains insufficient. Early prevention through identifying eligible newborns in maternity care could help improve vaccination coverage among high-risk populations. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed caregivers' knowledge of BCG vaccination indications and circuits in two maternity wards in the city of Toulouse (France), using a questionnaire. A second evaluation was conducted after a training session and the distribution of practical tools, to measure their impact on caregivers' knowledge and involvement. RESULTS: Caregivers' knowledge of BCG vaccination indications was insufficient (2.2 ± 0.33 correct indications out of 6). The development and implementation of training and prevention tools for caregivers helped improve their understanding of vaccination indications (2.6 ± 0.14 correct indications), identification (22.6 vs 45%), and prevention (17.7 vs 30%) CONCLUSION: Targeted vaccination requires greater caregiver training efforts than generalized and/or mandatory vaccination to improve implementation. For BCG vaccination, such training should ideally be provided to maternity staff.