Flu vaccinations during pregnancy survey results

With a reported decline last year of the number of pregnant women in Milton Keynes taking up flu vaccination. In response to discussions exploring this issue at the Milton Keynes CCG Right Care Transformation Board meeting held in July Healthwatch Milton Keynes created an online survey shared with the Maternity/MK membership and through Healthwatch Milton Membership to capture recent mothers’ experiences of flu vaccination. The survey ran for two weeks. They received 39 responses from women aged between 21 and 46 years of age.

This was a small survey, but Healthwatch Milton Keynes hope that the information is an informative snapshot of what target patients are experiencing when making choices about vaccinating themselves against flu whilst pregnant, and some of the barriers to accessing services. Healthwatch Milton are not making formal recommendations based on the findings. Instead, Healthwatch Milton have included our comments as informal suggestions for the Flu Steering Group to explore when looking at the ways they can improve the uptake of flu vaccinations in pregnant women. Review public health messaging and incorporate statistical or qualitative proof of safety of vaccination for both mother and unborn child as well as statistical evidence of the effects for those women and babies who were not vaccinated and developed influenza. Explore the offer of vaccination in planned antenatal sessions e.g. 12-week scan, visits to midwife. Review vaccination policy and clarify targets. Is it the case that the health system wants all pregnant women to vaccinate against flu throughout the year, or is the focus around women pregnant at high risk times of the year i.e. Winter? Work with GP practices to ensure that receptionists support easy access to flu vaccinations when women have consented to be vaccinated.