Health worker recommendation key for pregnant women’s vaccination, OPS study finds

A new study by the Pan American Health Organization (OPS) reveals that 76.8% of pregnant women in Argentina did not receive a recommendation from healthcare staff to vaccinate against respiratory syncytial virus (VSR), despite the vaccine being crucial to protect newborns from severe bronchiolitis. The study, conducted in seven Argentine jurisdictions between September and November 2024, surveyed 452 pregnant women aged 16 and older to identify drivers and barriers to vaccination.

Key findings

When healthcare workers recommended vaccination, uptake was high: 94.5% of women cited staff advice as decisive for influenza vaccination, 93.1% for VSR, and 78.5% for COVID-19. However, only 62.6% received a recommendation for influenza, and a mere 32.5% for COVID-19 Source: Infobae. The absence of a medical suggestion was the top barrier, followed by lack of information, low risk perception, and safety concerns. Practical obstacles like transportation and childcare also played a role Source: Clarín.

The report highlights that women with two or more children showed higher vaccination intent compared to first-time mothers, suggesting prior experience positively influences decisions Source: Clarín. OPS emphasizes that strengthening healthcare worker communication and targeted campaigns explaining benefits for the newborn could significantly improve coverage rates.