Influenza and Pertussis Vaccination Status of Women in Immediate Postpartum and Caregivers

Plain-language summary

Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Highly contagious, it is potentially serious and even fatal in infants under 6 months of age. The immunity acquired through vaccination is very limited in time, requiring regular booster shots. There is a passive protection of the newborn by the maternal-fetal transmission of maternal antibodies, but it is brief. The infant's first vaccination is given at 2 months of age and immunity is not acquired until the second injection at 4 months of age. The booster at 11 months of age is essential to prolong this immunity. In order to protect infants under 6 months of age, France has recommended since 2004 the cocooning strategy, which consists of vaccinating people likely to be in close contact with the infant during this period. This vaccination is therefore proposed to adults who are planning to have children, to the entourage of pregnant women, and in the immediate post-partum period for the mother (and people who were not vaccinated during pregnancy). This strategy was put in place following the international recommendation of a forum of scientific experts, the Global Pertussis Initiative. In France, vaccination against pertussis is not currently recommended during pregnancy. There is no contraindication to vaccination during pregnancy and it is recommended in many countries. Influenza is a viral respiratory infection caused by Myxovirus influenzae, which is highly contagious. In France, vaccination against influenza is recommended for pregnant women, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy. It is also recommended for the entourage of infants under 6 months of age with risk factors for severe influenza. There are few recent data in the scientific literature regarding influenza and pertussis vaccination coverage among pregnant or postpartum women in France. In addition, the COVID19 pandemic has recently reopened the debate on vaccination of the general population and caregivers. Knowing the current status of vaccination coverage among pregnant women and caregivers, their knowledge and fears regarding vaccination could help improve the information provided by healthcare staff.

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