Vaccination in pregnancy: Challenges and evidence-based solutions

Vaccination in pregnancy (VIP) is dually beneficial it protects the mother and the baby from tetanus, influenza, and pertussis. VIP uptake is low in many countries. Vaccine hesitancy, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services is one of WHO's ten threats to global health per 2019. According to extensive research, mostly from high-income countries (HIC) and limited to tetanus, influenza and pertussis vaccines, lack of provider recommendations, safety concerns, and limitations in access are the main barriers to VIP. Health care provider recommendation is the leading facilitator for VIP across various socioeconomic status groups. Data on strategies to overcome patient, provider, and system barriers to VIP are inconsistent, contradictory, or lacking. Patient focused research on evidence-based strategies to overcome provider and system barriers is needed. Furthermore, VIP programs require embedded continuous quality improvement to ensure sustainability. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Vaccination in pregnancy (VIP) offers dual benefits for mothers and babies, but uptake rates are low in many countries, with vaccine hesitancy being a major issue. Lack of provider recommendations, safety concerns, and access limitations are the main barriers to VIP.