Influenza vaccination during pregnancy and its usefulness to mothers and their young infants

Attitude to Co-Administration of Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines among Pregnant Women Exploring the Health Action Process Approach Model

Respiratory tract diseases caused by influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 can represent a serious threat to the health of pregnant women. Immunological remodulation for fetus tolerance and physiological changes in the gestational chamber expose both mother and child to fearful complications and a high risk of hospitalization. Vaccines to protect pregnant women from influenza and COVID-19 are strongly recommended and vaccine co-administration could be advantageous to increase coverage of both vaccines. The attitude to accept both vaccines is affected by several factors: social, cultural, and cognitive-behavioral. In Palermo, Italy, during the 2021-2022 influenza season, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate pregnant women's intention to adhere to co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The determinants of vaccination attitude were investigated through the administration of a questionnaire and the Health Action Process Approach theory was adopted to explore the cognitive behavioral aspects. Overall, 120 pregnant women were enrolled; mean age 32 years, 98.2% (n = 118) of Italian nationality and 25.2% (n = 30) with obstetric or pathological conditions of pregnancy at risk. Factors significantly associated with the attitude to co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women were: high level of education (OR = 13.96; p < 0.001), positive outcome expectations (OR = 2.84; p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (OR = 3.1; p < 0.001). Effective strategies to promote the co-administration of the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine should be based on the communication of the benefits and positive outcomes of vaccine co-administration and on the adequate information of pregnant women.

Severe maternal infectious morbidity during the second half of pregnancy is an independent risk factor for a small for gestational age neonate

OBJECTIVE

The effect of severe maternal infectious morbidity on fetal growth during the second half of pregnancy is under debate. Preliminary evidence suggests that such association may be plausible. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) The association between severe maternal infectious morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcome; and 2) The effect of maternal infection during pregnancy on fetal growth.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective population - based cohort study included 4771 women who gave birth at our medical center during the study period. Parturients were allocated into two groups: 1) patients with severe maternal infection during the second half of pregnancy (n = 368); and 2) control group comprised of normal pregnant women who were matched to the study group by maternal age, gravidity and parity (n = 4403).

RESULTS

The severe maternal infection group included women with pneumonia (n = 198), pyelonephritis (n = 131), and viral pneumonitis (n = 39). In comparison to the normal patients group: 1) having had pneumonia during the second half of pregnancy was associated with increased rates of fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, fetal demise (P < 0.001, for all comparisons) and preeclampsia (P = 0.041); 2) Pyelonephritis during the second half of gestation was associated with higher rates of fetal growth restriction (P < 0.001), placental abruption (P = 0.006) and labor induction (P = 0.039). As a group, women with severe maternal infection had higher rates of small for gestational age neonates compared to normal parturients (P < 0.001). Among women with infections, only those who had pyelonephritis (P = 0.032) or pneumonia (P = 0.008), had a higher rate of small for gestational age neonates than those in the control group. After adjustment to confounding factors, maternal infection (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.085-1.85) and previous delivery of a small for gestational age neonate (OR = 2.54, 95% CI 2.02-3.19), were independent risk factors for the delivery of a small for gestational age neonate.

CONCLUSION

Severe maternal infectious morbidity during the second half of pregnancy is an independent risk factor for the delivery of a small for gestational age neonate and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Both, pneumonia and pyelonephritis, during the second half of gestation affect fetal growth and are related to higher rates of small for gestational age neonates.

Dissecting Fc signatures of protection in neonates following maternal influenza vaccination in a placebo-controlled trial

Influenza is an important cause of illness and morbidity for infants. Seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy aims to provide protection to mothers, but it can also provide immunity to infants. The precise influence of maternal vaccination on immunity in infants and how vaccine-elicited antibodies provide protection in some but not all infants is incompletely understood. We comprehensively profiled the transfer of functional antibodies and defined humoral factors contributing to immunity against influenza in a clinical trial of maternal influenza vaccination. Influenza-specific antibody subclass levels, Fc ɣ receptor (FCGR) binding levels, and antibody-dependent innate immune functions were all profiled in the mothers during pregnancy and at birth, as well as in cord blood. Vaccination increased influenza-specific antibody levels, antibody binding to FCGR, and specific antibody-dependent innate immune functions in both maternal and cord blood, with FCGR binding most enhanced via vaccination. Influenza-specific FCGR binding levels were lower in cord blood of infants who subsequently developed influenza infection. Collectively these data suggest that in addition to increased antibody amounts, the selective transfer of FCGR-binding antibodies contributes to the protective immune response in infants against influenza.

The burden of influenza among Kenyan pregnant and postpartum women and their infants, 2015–2020

Background

In tropical Africa, data about influenza‐associated illness burden are needed to assess potential benefits of influenza vaccination among pregnant women. We estimated the incidence of influenza among pregnant women and their infants in Siaya County, Kenya.

Methods

We enrolled women at <31 weeks of gestation and conducted weekly follow‐up until 6‐month postpartum to identify acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). We defined ARI among mothers as reported cough, rhinorrhoea or sore throat and among infants as maternal‐reported cough, difficulty breathing, rhinorrhoea or clinician diagnosis of respiratory illness. We collected nasal/nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from mothers/infants with ARI and tested for influenza A and B using molecular assays. We calculated antenatal incidence of laboratory‐confirmed influenza among mothers and postnatal incidence among mothers and infants.

Results

During June 2015 to May 2020, we analysed data from 3,026 pregnant women at a median gestational age of 16 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 13, 18) and followed 2,550 infants. Incidence of laboratory‐confirmed influenza during pregnancy (10.3 episodes per 1,000 person‐months [95% confidence interval {CI} 8.6–11.8]) was twofold higher than in the postpartum period (4.0 [95% CI 2.6–5.5]; p < 0.01). Incidence was significantly higher among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected pregnant women (15.6 [95% CI 11.0–20.6] vs. 9.1 [95% CI 7.5–10.8]; p < 0.01). Incidence among young infants was 4.4 (95% CI 3.0–5.9) and similar among HIV‐exposed and HIV‐unexposed infants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a substantial burden of influenza illnesses during pregnancy, with a higher burden among HIV‐infected mothers. Kenyan authorities should consider the value of vaccinating pregnant women, especially if HIV infected.

Perinatal Outcomes of Asynchronous Influenza Vaccination, Ceará, Brazil, 2013-2018

In Ceará, Brazil, seasonal influenza transmission begins before national annual vaccination campaigns commence. To assess the perinatal consequences of this misalignment, we tracked severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), influenza, and influenza immunizations during 2013-2018. Among 3,297 SARI cases, 145 (4.4%) occurred in pregnant women. Statewide vaccination coverage was >80%; however, national vaccination campaigns began during or after peak influenza season. Thirty to forty weeks after peak influenza season, birthweights decreased by 40 g, and rates of prematurity increased from 10.7% to 15.5%. We identified 61 children born to mothers with SARI during pregnancy; they weighed 10% less at birth and were more likely to be premature than 122 newborn controls. Mistiming of influenza vaccination campaigns adversely effects perinatal outcomes in Ceará. Because Ceará is the presumptive starting point for north-to-south seasonal influenza transmission in Brazil, earlier national immunization campaigns would provide greater protection for pregnant women and their fetuses in Ceará and beyond.

The coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine in pregnancy: risks, benefits, and recommendations

The coronavirus disease 2019 has caused over 2 million deaths worldwide, with over 412,000 deaths reported in Unites States. To date, at least 57,786 pregnant women in the United States have been infected, and 71 pregnant women have died. Although pregnant women are at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019-related illness, clinical trials for the available vaccines excluded pregnant and lactating women. The safety and efficacy of the vaccines for pregnant women, the fetus, and the newborn remain unknown. A review of maternal and neonatal coronavirus disease 2019 morbidity and mortality data along with perinatal vaccine safety considerations are presented to assist providers with shared decision-making regarding vaccine administration for this group, including the healthcare worker who is pregnant, lactating, or considering pregnancy. The coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine should be offered to pregnant women after discussing the lack of safety data, with preferential administration for those at highest risk of severe infection, until safety and efficacy of these novel vaccines are validated.

An Experimental Model for Peri-conceptual COVID-19 Pregnancy Loss and Proposed Interventions to Optimize Outcomes

Reports appear to give reassurance that vertical transmission near term is unlikely, but risks of incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection during fertility treatments, at embryo implantation, or in the first trimester remain unknown. If early pregnancy sequela in the current COVID-19 pandemic are modeled from the 2004 Coronavirus outbreak data, then SARS-CoV-2 infection proximate to blastocyst nidation is likely to cause implantation failure or spontaneous abortion. Our model explains why this outcome is less attributable to virus-associated maternal pulmonary distress and instead derives from systemic inflammation and interference with trophectoderm-endometrium molecular signaling required for implantation. COVID-19 is often accompanied by high levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha and other cytokines, a process implicated in pulmonary collapse and systemic organ failure. Yet when regarded in an early reproductive context, this "cytokine storm" of COVID-19 triggers a pro-coagulative state hostile to normal in utero blastocyst/fetal development. Evidence from obstetrics is accumulating to show that mothers with SARS-CoV-2 deliver placentas with abnormal interstitial villi fibrin deposits, diffuse infarcts, and hemangiomatous changes. This model classifies such lesions as permissive at term but catastrophic near embryo implantation or early first trimester pregnancy. Clinical experience with recurrent pregnancy loss offers workable interventions to address this challenge, but success will depend on prompt and accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Although no professional guidelines currently exist for SARS-CoV-2 in early pregnancy, this model would warrant a high-risk designation for such cases; these patients should receive priority access to screening and treatment resources.

A review of vaccine effects on women in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic situation triggered by the spread of COVID-19 has caused great harm worldwide. More than six million people have been infected, and more than 360,000 of them have died. This is the worst catastrophe suffered by mankind in recent history. In the face of this severe disaster, people all over the world are frightened of the prospect of facing an outbreak or an annual recurrence. However, the development of a vaccine will help control the impact of COVID-19. Women in particular have been more seriously affected by the pandemic. Since the pressure and physical load they suffer are often greater than what men endure, women are more threatened by COVID-19. Though women have a poorer quality of life and work and face worse economic conditions, they also tend to have better physiological immunity than men, which can ease the effect of COVID-19. The early development of a vaccine against COVID-19 is an important issue that must take into consideration women's better immune response to the virus along with the technique of hormone regulation. Relevant research has been conducted on female-specific vaccines in the past, and women's issues were considered during those clinical trials to ensure that complications and antibody responses were positive and effective in women. National policies should also propose good strategies for women to be vaccinated. This could improve consciousness, give women a better vaccination experience, enhance their willingness to vaccinate, and protect them from COVID-19 infection.

Gaps in maternal influenza vaccine uptake in Northern Territory: A need for a year-round influenza vaccination campaign

Introduction

Maternal influenza vaccination was introduced in 2010 due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with influenza in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the maternal influenza vaccination uptake in Northern Territory public hospitals and identify gaps to improve uptake.

Methods

Birth data from Northern Territory (NT) public hospitals obtained from the Perinatal Register for deliveries in 2016 were merged with vaccination records from the NT immunisation register.

Results

There were 3,392 viable pregnancies in NT public hospitals in 2016 with 45.6% vaccination coverage against influenza. There was a statistically significant difference in coverage with 68.5% in Indigenous vs 31.7% in non-Indigenous deliveries (p < 0.001), yielding an odds ratio of 4.67 (95% CI 4.02, 5.42) for maternal influenza vaccination across Indigenous status. Influenza vaccination coverage for preterm births (< 37 weeks) was low especially in non-Indigenous mothers at 27.2% vs 65.05% in Indigenous mothers (p < 0.001). A distinct immunisation administration pattern was noted for 2016 with 58.9% of vaccinations occurring between April and June regardless of Indigenous status and maternal gestational age. This correlated with the annual influenza immunisation campaign by the NT and Commonwealth.

Conclusion

A year-round maternal influenza vaccination campaign is crucial to avoid missed opportunities and increase vaccination protection for mother and baby. Antenatal influenza vaccination campaign with health care workers education and increasing patient awareness should continue throughout the year.

Optimal timing of influenza vaccine during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women have an elevated risk of illness and hospitalisation from influenza. Pregnant women are recommended to be prioritised for influenza vaccination during any stage of pregnancy. The risk of seasonal influenza varies substantially throughout the year in temperate climates; however, there is limited knowledge of how vaccination timing during pregnancy impacts the benefits received by the mother and foetus.

OBJECTIVES

To compare antenatal vaccination timing with regard to influenza vaccine immunogenicity during pregnancy and transplacental transfer to their newborns.

METHODS

Studies were eligible for inclusion if immunogenicity to influenza vaccine was evaluated in women stratified by trimester of pregnancy. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres, stratified by trimester of vaccination, had to be measured at either pre-vaccination and within one month post-vaccination, post-vaccination and at delivery in the mother, or in cord/newborn blood. Authors searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE databases from inception until June 2016 and authors of identified studies were contacted for additional data. Extracted data were tabulated and summarised via random-effect meta-analyses and qualitative methods.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses found that compared with women vaccinated in an earlier trimester, those vaccinated in a later trimester had a greater fold increase in HI titres (1.33- to 1.96-fold) and higher HI titres in cord/newborn blood (1.21- to 1.64-fold).

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides comparative analysis of the effect of vaccination timing on maternal immunogenicity and protection of the infant that is informative and relevant to current vaccine scheduling for pregnant women.

Hormonal Regulation of Physiology, Innate Immunity and Antibody Response to H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection During Pregnancy

In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of pregnant women to influenza viral infection. Pregnant women infected with influenza A virus were at increased risk of hospitalization and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with high mortality, while their newborns had an increased risk of pre-term birth or low birth weight. Pregnant women have a unique immunological profile modulated by the sex hormones required to maintain pregnancy, namely progesterone and estrogens. The role of these hormones in coordinating maternal immunotolerance in uterine tissue and cellular subsets has been well researched; however, these hormones have wide-ranging effects outside the uterus in modulating the immune response to disease. In this review, we compile research findings in the clinic and in animal models that elaborate on the unique features of H1N1 influenza A viral pathogenesis during pregnancy, the crosstalk between innate immune signaling and hormonal regulation during pregnancy, and the role of pregnancy hormones in modulating cellular responses to influenza A viral infection at mid-gestation. We highlight the ways in which lung architecture and function is stressed by pregnancy, increasing baseline inflammation prior to infection. We demonstrate that infection disrupts progesterone production and upregulates inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins, resulting in pre-term labor and spontaneous abortions. Lastly, we profile the ways in which pregnancy alters innate and adaptive cellular immune responses to H1N1 influenza viral infection, and the ways in which these protect fetal development at the expense of effective long-term immune memory. Thus, we highlight advancements in the field of reproductive immunology in response to viral infection and illustrate how that knowledge might be used to develop more effective post-infection therapies and vaccination strategies.

Influenza vaccination coverage of health care workers: a cross-sectional study based on data from a Swiss gynaecological hospital

Background: Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe influenza and related complications. The vaccination has been recommended in healthcare workers as a strategy for preventing influenza in risk patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the influenza vaccination rate of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of the Cantonal hospital St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the influenza vaccination rates of all staff members of the Department of obstetrics and gynaecology (n=259). The vaccination coverage was compared according to sociodemographic variables using Chi-squared test. Associations were determined using a logistic regression model. Possible reasons for and against vaccination coverage were then investigated.

Results: 200 questionnaires were included (valid response rate 77%). 15% reported being vaccinated against influenza (n=29). Reasons to be vaccinated are the belief of protection of patients (82%), oneself (75%) or family (61%). Reasons not to get vaccinated, including beliefs regarding the vaccine is not important (49%) and its ineffectiveness (44%). In the logistic regression analysis, the vaccination coverage among doctors (61% vaccinated) and nurses/midwives (4% vaccinated) is different from the vaccination coverage among the non-medical staff reference category (16% vaccinated; p=0.004, p=0.027), after controlling for the effect of other variables sex (p=0.807), age (p=0.438) and full time employment (p=0.298).

Discussion: This study showed that doctors have a higher vaccination rate compared to other job roles, whereas the nurses and midwives had very low vaccination rates, which indicate a significant public health communication gap that needs to be addressed.

Influenza immunization policies: Which could be the main reasons for differences among countries?

Despite the availability of effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures, influenza remains one of the most important infectious disease threats to the human population. Every year, seasonal influenza epidemics infect up to 30% of the population; a relevant portion of the ill are hospitalized, and more than a marginal number die. In an attempt to reduce the medical, social and economic burden of influenza, vaccines are recommended by many health authorities worldwide. However, not all countries have a national program for influenza immunization. The main aim of this paper is to list the differences among influenza immunization policies of various countries, highlighting the most important scientific reasons that may have led health authorities to make different decisions. The manuscript highlights that national influenza immunization policies can vary significantly from country to country. These differences arise from insufficient evidence of the relevance of influenza infection from a clinical, social and economic point of view. The lack of precise data on the true frequency and clinical relevance of influenza infection makes it nearly impossible to establish the economic burden of influenza. Moreover, it remains very difficult to evaluate the efficacy of the different influenza vaccines and whether their use is cost-effective considering the various types of people receiving them and the indirect advantages. Disparities among countries will be overcome only when more reliable data regarding all these aspects of influenza infection, particularly those related to the true impact of the disease, are precisely defined.

Changes in trends and impact of testing for influenza in infants with fever <90 days of age

BACKGROUND

Infants aged <90 days who present with fever commonly undergo various invasive procedures due to the risk of bacterial infection in this age group. A great proportion of cases, however, are due to viral infection, including influenza. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact of influenza testing in infants <90 days with fever, as well as analyze the subject characteristics to identify which infants should be considered for such testing.

METHODS

Clinical characteristics and trends in influenza virus testing and treatment were analyzed among febrile infants <90 days who presented to the emergency room and were diagnosed with influenza during 2005-2015.

RESULTS

Among 5,347 febrile infants aged <90 days, 963 (18%) underwent influenza virus test. A total of 114 (11.8%) were diagnosed with influenza. The positivity rate reached 67% of febrile infants during epidemics. Of them, 83 had a history of family contact. While more than half presented with upper respiratory symptoms, 34% had only fever without respiratory symptoms. A decrease in antibiotic use and admission rates during the study period among infants diagnosed with influenza was seen (P for trend <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During the influenza epidemic season, diagnostic tests for influenza based on a detailed contact history are necessary in assessing the cause of fever. Targeted testing for influenza may lead to a decrease in antibiotic use and admission rates in young infants.

H1N1 influenza virus infection results in adverse pregnancy outcomes by disrupting tissue-specific hormonal regulation

Increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection during pregnancy has been attributed to immunological changes occurring before and during gestation in order to “tolerate” the developing fetus. These systemic changes are most often characterized by a suppression of cell-mediated immunity and elevation of humoral immune responses referred to as the Th1-Th2 shift. However, the underlying mechanisms which increase pregnant mothers’ risk following influenza virus infection have not been fully elucidated. We used pregnant BALB/c mice during mid- to late gestation to determine the impact of a sub-lethal infection with A/Brisbane/59/07 H1N1 seasonal influenza virus on completion of gestation. Maternal and fetal health status was closely monitored and compared to infected non-pregnant mice. Severity of infection during pregnancy was correlated with premature rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM), fetal survival and body weight at birth, lung viral load and degree of systemic and tissue inflammation mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Here we report that influenza virus infection resulted in dysregulation of inflammatory responses that led to pre-term labor, impairment of fetal growth, increased fetal mortality and maternal morbidity. We observed significant compartment-specific immune responses correlated with changes in hormonal synthesis and regulation. Dysregulation of progesterone, COX-2, PGE2 and PGF2α expression in infected pregnant mice was accompanied by significant remodeling of placental architecture and upregulation of MMP-9 early after infection. Collectively these findings demonstrate the potential of a seasonal influenza virus to initiate a powerful pro-abortive mechanism with adverse outcomes in fetal health.

Maternal immunology is finely balanced to maintain a tolerant and supportive molecular environment for the developing fetus while continuing surveillance against foreign microbial threats. Influenza viral infection during pregnancy is a significant clinical risk for mothers and their newborns, increasing hospitalization, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. In a mouse pregnancy model, we show how influenza virus infection disrupts the delicate and interconnected cytokine and hormonal signaling pathways that respond to respiratory pathogens. The health of mothers and offspring was impacted in our study, after pregnant mothers’ lung and placental architecture was compromised by infection. Influenza virus infection increased the stress on the mother’s body already present due to pregnancy, or reversed the hormonal environment required to establish and maintain healthy pregnancy. By dissecting the effects of inflammation post-infection throughout the mother’s anatomy, we can tailor anti-inflammatory treatments for the pregnant population. Also, thorough knowledge of immune responses will assist in tailoring vaccine design and dosage for this delicate period of women’s immunological and reproductive health.

Influenza pathogenicity during pregnancy in women and animal models

Pregnant women are at the highest risk to develop severe and even fatal influenza. The high vulnerability of women against influenza A virus infections during pregnancy was repeatedly highlighted during influenza pandemics including the pandemic of this century. In 2009, mortality rates were particularly high among otherwise healthy pregnant women. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in severe disease development during pregnancy is still very limited. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on the clinical observations in influenza A virus-infected pregnant women. In addition, knowledge obtained from few existing experimental infections in pregnant animal models is discussed. Since clinical data do not provide in-depth information on the pathogenesis of severe influenza during pregnancy, adequate animal models are urgently required that mimic clinical findings. Studies in pregnant animal models will allow the dissection of involved molecular disease pathways that are key to improve patient management and care.

Perception and Attitudes of Korean Obstetricians about Maternal Influenza Vaccination

Pregnant women are prioritized to receive influenza vaccination. However, the maternal influenza vaccination rate has been low in Korea. To identify potential barriers for the vaccination of pregnant women against influenza, a survey using a questionnaire on the perceptions and attitudes about maternal influenza vaccination was applied to Korean obstetricians between May and August of 2014. A total of 473 respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents (94.8%, 442/466) recognized that influenza vaccination was required for pregnant women. In addition, 92.8% (410/442) respondents knew that the incidence of adverse events following influenza vaccination is not different between pregnant and non-pregnant women. However, 26.5% (124/468) obstetricians strongly recommended influenza vaccination to pregnant women. The concern about adverse events following influenza vaccination was considered as a major barrier for the promotion of maternal influenza vaccination by healthcare providers. Providing professional information and education about maternal influenza vaccination will enhance the perception of obstetricians about influenza vaccination to pregnant women and will be helpful to improve maternal influenza vaccination coverage in Korea.

Lack of Availability of Antenatal Vaccination Information on Obstetric Care Practice Web Sites

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of obstetric practice web sites in the United States providing information on antenatal influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination.

METHODS

Using www.healthgrades.com, a national random sample of 1,003 obstetric practice web sites was examined for provision of information on antenatal vaccination and other preventive prenatal health topics. Data were collected for this cross-sectional study between September 25, 2014, and November 12, 2014. χ tests and odds ratios were calculated to determine significance and magnitude of associations between provision of antenatal vaccination information and other practice characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 1,003 web sites examined, 229 (22.8%) posted information pertaining to antenatal vaccinations. Only 105 web sites (10.5%) provided up-to-date information about both antenatal influenza and Tdap vaccination. Compared with the proportion posting on antenatal vaccination, significantly more web sites posted on safe foods (40.8%; P<.001), safe medications (36.9%; P<.001), and safe exercise (38.5%; P<.001) during pregnancy. When compared with web sites not mentioning these other prenatal health topics, web sites mentioning these topics were more likely to also mention antenatal vaccination (safe foods: 45.7% compared with 7.1%; odds ratio [OR] 11.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.65-16.01; safe medications: 45.4% compared with 9.6%; OR 7.8, CI 5.58-10.89; safe exercise: 45.9% compared with 8.4%; OR 9.2, CI 6.5-13.03).

CONCLUSION

A majority of obstetric care practice web sites do not provide information on antenatal vaccinations. Obstetric practices should consider using their web sites to provide reliable information on antenatal vaccinations as many already do for other prenatal health topics.

Smart monitoring and controlling of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) using Social Network Analysis and cloud computing

H1N1 is an infectious virus which, when spread affects a large volume of the population. It is an airborne disease that spreads easily and has a high death rate. Development of healthcare support systems using cloud computing is emerging as an effective solution with the benefits of better quality of service, reduced costs and flexibility. In this paper, an effective cloud computing architecture is proposed which predicts H1N1 infected patients and provides preventions to control infection rate. It consists of four processing components along with secure cloud storage medical database. The random decision tree is used to initially assess the infection in any patient depending on his/her symptoms. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is used to present the state of the outbreak. The proposed architecture is tested on synthetic data generated for two million users. The system provided 94% accuracy for the classification and around 81% of the resource utilization on Amazon EC2 cloud. The key point of the paper is the use of SNA graphs to calculate role of an infected user in spreading the outbreak known as Outbreak Role Index (ORI). It will help government agencies and healthcare departments to present, analyze and prevent outbreak effectively.

Lessons learnt from enrolment and follow up of pregnant women and their infants in clinical trials in South Africa, a low-middle income country

INTRODUCTION

Infectious causes are a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in neonates and young infants. Immunization of pregnant women to protect the mother and/or her infant is gaining momentum due to the benefits of this strategy demonstrated in numerous implemented strategies (Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Initiative) and clinical trials. Reluctance by regulators, participants and healthcare providers to include pregnant women in clinical trials is considerable, but reducing. Infectious disease burden, and therefore need for interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in mothers and infants, is highest in low-middle income countries (LMIC), however, reliable background data on adverse pregnancy outcomes and lack of experience in clinical trials and community opinions on immunization during pregnancy are not well documented.

METHODS

We used our experiences in conducting two clinical studies in pregnant women in South Africa to illustrate the challenges experienced and lessons learnt which may benefit others working in the maternal immunization field.

RESULTS

Accurate gestational age assessment, which is essential for clinical trials, is challenging in LMIC due to limited access to early ultrasound examinations, and unreliable assessment by history (last menstrual period date) and physical examination (symphyseal-fundal height). Concomitant administration of recommended vaccines has previously been avoided in clinical trials; however, this limitation could impact the potentially beneficial interventions that participants can access during antenatal care. Women in LMIC have a higher burden of concomitant illnesses (e.g. HIV infection, malaria and anaemia) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g. stillbirth) than pregnant women in higher income countries. Availability of local data is essential for safety monitoring committees to identify vaccine-related adverse event triggers.

CONCLUSION

Immunization of pregnant women to reduce disease burden in them and their infants is promising, and women in high-risk settings should be included in trials (Clinical trial registry number: 'Study A': NCT01193920, 'Study B': NCT01888471).