Poor uptake of influenza vaccination in pregnancy in northern India

To study the uptake of influenza vaccination among pregnant women in northern India and physicians' beliefs and practices regarding vaccination.

A questionnaire-based survey was undertaken between October 2012 and April 2013. Pregnant women attending an obstetric hospital in Srinagar, India, and healthcare personnel were asked to participate.

Among 1000 women aged 18-41 years (13.6% first trimester, 26.8% second trimester), none had been offered or received influenza vaccination. Only 9 (10.0%) of 90 obstetricians surveyed had been vaccinated for influenza in the past 5 years, although 81 (90.0%) believed that influenza could have severe consequences for themselves and their patients. The reasons cited for non-vaccination included poor knowledge about availability of vaccine and concerns about its efficacy. Sixty-six (73.3%) obstetricians believed that vaccine adverse effects are under-reported, and 79 (87.8%) believed that vaccination programs are motivated by profit. Eighty-four (93.3%) obstetricians wished to undergo vaccination in the coming flu season.

Influenza vaccination among pregnant women in northern India is nonexistent. Poor uptake is rooted in misperceptions about vaccine availability, efficacy, and safety among treating physicians, few of whom are vaccinated.