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Seasonal influenza vaccination in antenatal women: Views of health care S J workers and barriers in the delivery of the vaccine
By Surabhi Khosla in Volume 3, Issue 2 2012
Universities: James Cook University
Surabhi Khosla
Fourth Year Medicine (Undergraduate)
James Cook University
Surabhi undertook this research project as part of the General Practice Student Network First Wave Academic Scholarship. She has a growing interest in maternal health research and infectious disease, and has been involved in a couple of research projects in the fields of Primary Health Care and Vascular Biology. In second year, she received the Norway Bursary and did a four week rural placement in Northern Norway. Other than research, she enjoys working as the President of the Rural Health Club - RHINO and attending conferences around Australia.
Background: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing influenza. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for all pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during the influenza season. The aim of this review is to explore the views of health care workers regarding seasonal influenza vaccination in antenatal women and describe the barriers in the delivery of the vaccine. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE for the terms: ?influenza,? ?pregnancy,? ?antenatal,? ?vaccinations,? ?recommendations,? ?attitudes,? ?knowledge? and ?opinions?. The review describes findings of publications concerning the inactivated influenza vaccination only, which has been proven safe and is widely recommended. Results: No studies have addressed the knowledge and attitudes of Australian primary health care providers towards influenza vaccination despite their essential role in immunisations in Australia. Overseas studies indicate that factors that contribute to the low vaccination rates are 1) the lack of general knowledge of influenza and its prevention amongst health care workers (HCWs) 2) variable opinions and attitude regarding the vaccine 3) lack of awareness of the national guidelines 4) and lack of discussion of the vaccine by the HCW. Lack of maternal knowledge regarding the safety of the vaccine and the cost-burden of the vaccine are significant barriers in the uptake of the vaccination. Conclusion: Insufficient attention has been given to the topic of influenza vaccinations in pregnancy. Significant efforts are required in Australia to obtain data about the rates of influenza vaccination of pregnant women.
full article
By Surabhi Khosla in Volume 3, Issue 2 2012
Universities: James Cook University
Surabhi Khosla
Fourth Year Medicine (Undergraduate)
James Cook University
Surabhi undertook this research project as part of the General Practice Student Network First Wave Academic Scholarship. She has a growing interest in maternal health research and infectious disease, and has been involved in a couple of research projects in the fields of Primary Health Care and Vascular Biology. In second year, she received the Norway Bursary and did a four week rural placement in Northern Norway. Other than research, she enjoys working as the President of the Rural Health Club - RHINO and attending conferences around Australia.
Background: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing influenza. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for all pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during the influenza season. The aim of this review is to explore the views of health care workers regarding seasonal influenza vaccination in antenatal women and describe the barriers in the delivery of the vaccine. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE for the terms: ?influenza,? ?pregnancy,? ?antenatal,? ?vaccinations,? ?recommendations,? ?attitudes,? ?knowledge? and ?opinions?. The review describes findings of publications concerning the inactivated influenza vaccination only, which has been proven safe and is widely recommended. Results: No studies have addressed the knowledge and attitudes of Australian primary health care providers towards influenza vaccination despite their essential role in immunisations in Australia. Overseas studies indicate that factors that contribute to the low vaccination rates are 1) the lack of general knowledge of influenza and its prevention amongst health care workers (HCWs) 2) variable opinions and attitude regarding the vaccine 3) lack of awareness of the national guidelines 4) and lack of discussion of the vaccine by the HCW. Lack of maternal knowledge regarding the safety of the vaccine and the cost-burden of the vaccine are significant barriers in the uptake of the vaccination. Conclusion: Insufficient attention has been given to the topic of influenza vaccinations in pregnancy. Significant efforts are required in Australia to obtain data about the rates of influenza vaccination of pregnant women.
full article
