First-time mums are more hesitant and undecided about childhood vaccinations compared to mothers with children, and only two thirds of all mothers believe they receive enough information on vaccines during pregnancy.
The new study published in Vaccine, involved more than 460 patients from the Royal Women’s Hospital, and was led by researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
The study found that nearly half of mothers pregnant with their first child had concerns about childhood vaccinations and less than three quarters had made a decision about childhood vaccinations.
Just 73 per cent had made a decision on vaccinating their child prior to delivery. This was compared to mothers who already had children where nearly 90 per cent said they had decided on vaccinations.
Only two thirds of all expectant mothers believe they receive enough information during pregnancy. Six per cent of first time mothers reported that they had not heard about vaccinations at all.
Lead author Dr Margie Danchin said that, most importantly, this study provided evidence that new and improved information and communication on childhood and maternal vaccines needed to be provided to pregnant women.
“Trusted healthcare providers such as GPs, midwives and obstetricians play a very important role in discussing vaccination. It's important to have this discussion early. This would help to reduce vaccine hesitancy for all mothers in pregnancy and post-delivery, particularly for first-time mothers, as pregnancy is a key vaccine decision-making time point. ” Dr Danchin said.
The study aimed to ascertain whether vaccine information is received in pregnancy and post-delivery, mothers’ attitudes and concerns regarding childhood vaccination and maternal immunisation uptake.
Currently there is no mandated time point in Australia to discuss childhood vaccination with expectant parents, although many antenatal providers discuss Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
More than 468 patients from the Women’s at Parkville and Sandringham took part in the study with further 507 expectant mothers in Adelaide and Perth taking part.