Antenatal pertussis vaccination: Why are general practitioners reluctant? A mixed methods study

Pertussis has a disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality in infants less than 3 months of age. International and national guidelines recommend pertussis vaccination during pregnancy, as a safe and effective way to protect these infants. Antenatal pertussis vaccination uptake rates remain suboptimal, with many health care professionals (HCPs) still not recommending it. The reasons underlying this reluctance on behalf of HCPs have not been fully established. This study aims to evaluate the current practice and attitudes of General Practitioners (GPs) with regard to antenatal pertussis vaccination. An embedded mixed method design was used. The response rate was 41% (n=109). 54% of GPs who responded (n=59) routinely recommend antenatal pertussis vaccination. Safety concerns and a sense of isolation emerged as the major qualitative themes. More safety data, adequate funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and support from secondary care may help to increase the GP recommendation rate and enhance vaccination uptake in pregnancy.