Evaluation of vaccination rates with influenza vaccines in pregnant women and their attitudes towards these vaccines

Aims: Influenza infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women and newborns. Therefore, annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women during any trimester during the influenza season. The aim of this study is to determine vaccination rates in pregnant individuals at risk for influenza infection and to determine the reasons for not being vaccinated in those who are not vaccinated. Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey study on pregnant women aged 18-45 in the first, second and third trimesters who applied to the Health Sciences University Ankara Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between November 2023 and April 2024. The researchers reviewed the relevant literature and prepared a survey consisting of 19 questions to be administered to the participants. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women included in the study was 25.66±5.2 (18-42) years, and the mean gestational age was 26.02±5.8 weeks (minimum 2 weeks - maximum 40 weeks).Of the participants, 334 (83.5%)did not believed that the flu vaccine was protective. 66 (16.5%) believe that it was protective.A doctor had recommended the flu vaccine to 229 (57.3%) of the participants. The concern that the flu vaccine might be harmful to the baby was the most important r eason for not getting flu vaccinated. Conclusion: Tables prepared for educational purposes make it possible to quickly and easily exchange information about vaccination between doctors and pregnant women. For this reason, influenza vaccination is an important part of pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum care. Gynecologists and obstetricians, family physicians; should recommend influenza vaccination to pregnant women and increase the vaccination rate of pregnant women. We believe that this approach will benefit the pregnant woman and the newborn.