Administration Rates of the Tdap Vaccine in Obstetric Patients

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Infants under 6 months are highly susceptible to pertussis due to incomplete vaccination.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends Tdap vaccination for pregnant women between 27-36 weeks gestation.
• This recommendation aims to provide passive immunity to infants, protecting them until they can be fully vaccinated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate compliance with the 2013 ACIP Tdap vaccination recommendation for pregnant women.
• To compare Tdap vaccination rates within the recommended gestational window (27-36 weeks) in two obstetric clinics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, retrospective chart review was conducted.
• Data from obstetric patients between October 2013 and September 2014 were analyzed.
• The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving Tdap between 27-36 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

• Of 237 eligible patients, 59.9% received Tdap within the recommended 27-36 week window.
• Overall, 65.8% of patients received Tdap during pregnancy or within 30 days postpartum.
• Factors associated with vaccination included insurance status, prenatal care risk, and influenza vaccine receipt.

Conclusions:

• The Tdap vaccination rate within the recommended timeframe was 59.9%.
• Overall Tdap coverage reached 65.8%.
• Enhanced education, documentation, and reminders are necessary to improve Tdap administration rates.