Postpartum Interventions to Increase Maternal Vaccination Uptake: Is It Worth It?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Vaccination during pregnancy protects both mothers and infants.
• Vaccination uptake in pregnant women remains suboptimal.
• Postpartum vaccination offers an alternative strategy when in-pregnancy vaccination is missed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review interventions aimed at increasing postpartum vaccination uptake.
• To identify factors influencing vaccination rates in the postpartum period.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE for interventional studies.
• Studies published between 2009 and 2024 focusing on postpartum vaccination were included.
• The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review.
• Key factors for increased postpartum vaccination uptake included healthcare provider recommendations, specific intervention types, and vaccine delivery in maternity wards or communities.

Conclusions:

• Targeted education by healthcare professionals and positive reinforcement can enhance maternal vaccination rates postpartum.
• Interventions identified in this review are applicable globally within healthcare systems.