Abstract
The recent reoccurrence of several vaccine-preventable diseases demonstrates the need for new techniques to promote childhood
vaccination. Many mothers make decisions regarding vaccination of their children during pregnancy. As a result, obstetricians
have a unique opportunity to influence maternal decisions on this crucial component of child health. Our objective was to
understand OB/GYNs’ attitudes, beliefs, and current practices toward providing vaccinations to pregnant patients and providing
information about routine childhood immunizations during standard prenatal care. We surveyed OB/GYNs in the United States
about their vaccination practices and perceptions during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak. Most (84%) respondents indicated their practice
would be administering H1N1 vaccines to pregnant patients. While a majority (98%) of responding providers felt childhood vaccination
is important, relatively few (47%) felt that they could influence mothers’ vaccination choices for their children. Discussion
of routine childhood immunization between obstetricians and their patients is an area for future improvements in childhood
vaccination.
vaccination. Many mothers make decisions regarding vaccination of their children during pregnancy. As a result, obstetricians
have a unique opportunity to influence maternal decisions on this crucial component of child health. Our objective was to
understand OB/GYNs’ attitudes, beliefs, and current practices toward providing vaccinations to pregnant patients and providing
information about routine childhood immunizations during standard prenatal care. We surveyed OB/GYNs in the United States
about their vaccination practices and perceptions during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak. Most (84%) respondents indicated their practice
would be administering H1N1 vaccines to pregnant patients. While a majority (98%) of responding providers felt childhood vaccination
is important, relatively few (47%) felt that they could influence mothers’ vaccination choices for their children. Discussion
of routine childhood immunization between obstetricians and their patients is an area for future improvements in childhood
vaccination.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10995-011-0936-0
- Authors
- Ruth Link-Gelles, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
- Allison T. Chamberlain, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
- Jay Schulkin, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC, USA
- Kevin Ault, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Ellen Whitney, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
- Katherine Seib, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
- Saad B. Omer, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
- Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-6628
- Print ISSN 1092-7875