Maternal influenza vaccination relates to receiving relevant information among pregnant women in Japan

Abstract

Maternal vaccination for seasonal influenza is currently not listed as a routine vaccination in the national vaccination schedule of Japan. However, many pregnant women voluntarily receive an influenza vaccination. We explored the factors related to influenza vaccine uptake. We particularly focused on factors related to any recommendation, such as advice or suggestions from another individual. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey in Japan among pregnant women or mothers who had recently given birth in March 2017 and 2018. Logistic regression models were used to determine the factors influencing vaccination uptake. Key individuals regarding maternal vaccination were examined using the network visualization software Gephi. The total number of valid responses was 2204 in 2017 and 3580 in 2018. Over 40% of respondents had been vaccinated with the seasonal influenza vaccine at some point in both years. Of the vaccinated respondents, over 80% received advice regarding the influenza vaccination. Obstetricians were the most common source of advice in both years. Among respondents who chose more than two sources, the largest link in the network of sources was found between the obstetrician and family members. Attention to public concern or potential recommenders, by public health authorities, not just pregnant women, about the benefits of maternal influenza vaccination is important.

Sociodemographic and health‐related determinants of seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the evidence since 2000

“…[30][31][32][33][34][35][36] The articles were published from 2010 to 2020. Eleven articles were from the USA, 30,32,35,41,45,46,48,59,60,65,66 six from Australia, [49][50][51]53,61,63 four from France, 31,43,47,57 two from Canada, 56,62 two from the UK 40,55 and one each from Belgium, 54 Brazil, 33 Greece, 44 Hong Kong, 64 Ireland, 52 Japan, 42 Nicaragua, 58 Singapore 34 and Spain. 36 The main characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Tables 1 and S2.…”

Reliable Information from Health Professionals Encourages Urban Japanese Mothers’ Continued Participation in Health Checkups

“…Yamamoto et al showed that pregnant Japanese women who obtained information from medical staff were prevalent among folic acid takers among pregnant Japanese women with a mean age of 33 years in Osaka [ 13 ]. Using an Internet marketing survey of pregnant Japanese women with a mean age of 32 years, Shono et al showed that the main source of information recommending maternal influenza vaccination was an obstetrician, followed by nurses/midwives among vaccinated takers [ 14 ]. Globally, some studies reported similar findings that healthcare professionals are the most common information sources used by women with children.…”

Maternal vaccination—current status, challenges, and opportunities

“…Increased maternal age, underlying obstetric and gynecologic illnesses, and infant's birth month (October–December) were associated with higher rates of vaccination against seasonal influenza among pregnant women in Japan 27–29 . In Japan, the coverage rates for the H1N1 vaccine during the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak were higher (74.0%–95.8%) 32,33 than those for the seasonal influenza vaccine 13,27–31 . More than 60.0% of pregnant Japanese women received the H1N1 vaccine within 1.5 months after its availability, reducing the infection rate by 89.0% without any cases of mortality 34 …”

“…10 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nonviable/inactivated vaccines (e.g., seasonal influenza; COVID-19; and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis [DTP] vaccines) can be safely administered to pregnant women; however, viable vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine) are contraindicated. 11,12 In Japan, vaccination against seasonal influenza is voluntary (except for individuals aged >65 years) 13 and considered to be safe during all stages of pregnancy as the vaccines are nonviable. 14 The vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19 is endorsed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan.…”

“…In Japan, vaccination against seasonal influenza is voluntary (except for individuals aged >65 years) 13 and considered to be safe during all stages of pregnancy as the vaccines are nonviable 14 . The vaccination of pregnant women against COVID‐19 is endorsed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan 15 .…”