Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Maternal Vaccination Against Bordetella Pertussis: What Do Pregnant Women Want?

Claire F La Chapelle, Catharina AL van Rijn, Johannes CM van Huisseling and Florens GA Versteegh

Background: Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis (Bp) is a highly contagious disease affecting the respiratory tract. It can cause severe morbidity and death in young infants who are too young to be immunized the incidence of whooping cough is rising. Maternal vaccination may reduce morbidity and mortality caused by Bp in infants.

Objectives: To evaluate the perspective of pregnant women towards maternal vaccination to protect newborns against Bp in The Netherlands.

Design: Cross sectional survey.

Methods: A total of 300 pregnant women visiting the obstetric outpatient department were surveyed by questionnaire concerning their perspective on maternal vaccination against Bp.

Results: The response rate was 42%. Of the respondents (126), three quarters (95% CI 0.67-0.85) had a positive attitude towards maternal vaccination against Bp. Almost half (45%) of all women with a positive attitude would consider participation in a research setting. Responders with a positive attitude did not differ in age, parity and religion compared to responders with a negative attitude.

Conclusion: There is a moderate positive attitude towards maternal vaccination against Bp among pregnant women. Conducting a vaccination study against Bp in pregnant women seems feasible.