Strategies to increase uptake of maternal pertussis vaccination

INTRODUCTION

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that results in disproportionate morbidity and mortality in infants who have yet to receive the primary diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine series. In the preceding decades numerous countries began to pursue either prenatal vaccination of pregnant women or postpartum vaccination of caregivers to protect infants. Despite proven benefit, maternal uptake of pertussis vaccine continues to remain suboptimal.

AREAS COVERED

Many studies have been conducted to address the suboptimal uptake of maternal pertussis vaccination. This systematic review was undertaken to systematically identify those studies, highlight the most successful strategies and find the knowledge gaps that need to be filled over the coming years to improve vaccine uptake. Twenty-five studies were identified from six different databases.

EXPERT OPINION

Five different interventions were shown to be successful in promoting uptake of pertussis vaccination: (1) standing orders, (2) opt-in orders, (3) provider education, (4) on-site vaccination and (5) interactive patient education. Three major knowledge gaps were also identified that need to be filled over the coming years: (1) lack of studies in low- and middle-income countries, (2) lack of studies targeting midwives and/or home birth and (3) lack of studies on the process of vaccine communication.

Potential drug interaction between Rho(D) immune globulin and live virus vaccine

Women often receive Rho(D) immune globulin as well as a live virus vaccine in the immediate postpartum period. The immune globulin product has the potential to interfere with appropriate immune response to the vaccine. Here we describe our approach to identifying and following up on this often overlooked potential drug interaction.