Can common characteristics be identified as predictors for seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in pregnancy? A retrospective cohort study from a South London Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Complications due to influenza are contributory factors for maternal deaths in the United Kingdom (UK). Less than half of all pregnant women in the UK receive the influenza vaccination. Increasing immunisation rates for seasonal influenza in pregnant women must remain a public health priority.

METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken, utilising the electronic health record of 4817 women who had given birth at a South London NHS Hospital from 1st January-31st December 2015. The data were then analysed to determine if there were any common characteristics of the women who received or did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccination.

RESULTS: It was found that ethnic origin, age at booking, planned pregnancy, parity, and booking in the first trimester were significant predictors for receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. Index of Multiple Deprivation Deciles, speaking English without a translator, and booking season were not clinically or statistically significant predictors for receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS: There are common characteristics that are associated with receiving and not receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination for women who gave birth in South London during 2015. These results could be useful to antenatal health professionals working in similarly diverse areas, and to influence the public health agenda. This research ascertains which women in the cohort did not receive the vaccination; future research should explore the factors which affect vaccine uptake and potential strategies to improve vaccination rates.