Factors Influencing Maternal Antepartum Tdap Vaccination

INTRODUCTION: Antepartum Tdap remains low despite national recommendations. This prospective observational study aims to identify factors associated with lower antepartum Tdap rates. METHODS: Maternal demographics, personal health beliefs, Tdap vaccination status, and recall of in-office obstetric provider actions were collected from a convenience sample of postpartum women in a New York metropolitan hospital. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify significant factors and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for recorded Tdap; OR > 1 reflects elements with increased odds of not receiving antepartum Tdap, while OR < 1 demonstrates increased odds of receipt. RESULTS: Surveys were collected (n = 1682) from a study population demographically similar to New York City and more diverse in race/ethnicity than the national population. Demographic analysis showed Hispanic women less likely than white, non-Hispanic women to vaccinate (OR 2.44, CI 1.54–3.88). Health beliefs associated with non-receipt of antepartum Tdap included “It is dangerous for pregnant women to get vaccines” (OR 1.68, CI 1.01–2.77), and “I worry about the safety of the Tdap vaccine” (OR 1.59, CI 1.12–2.24). Obstetric provider actions associated with vaccination included receiving an OB recommendation (OR 0.39, CI 0.23–0.65), getting written information about Tdap (OR 0.44, CI 0.30–0.64), and having Tdap offered in office (OR 0.24, CI 0.15–0.37). Health beliefs associated with antepartum Tdap included “I generally do what my OB/GYN provider recommends” (OR 0.49, CI 0.30–0.80), and “Pregnant women should get the Tdap (pertussis) vaccine” (OR 0.17, CI 0.09–0.33). DISCUSSION: Maternal race/ethnicity, personal health beliefs, and obstetric provider actions predict antepartum Tdap.