Am J Prev Med

IntroductionUS obstetrician/gynecologists (ob-gyns) play a critical role as vaccinators of pregnant women. However, little is known about their current immunization practices. Thus, study objectives were to determine: 1) practices related to assessment of vaccination status and vaccine delivery for pregnant patients; 2) barriers to stocking and administering vaccines; and 3) factors associated with administering both influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines.MethodsAn e-mail and mail survey among a national sample of ob-gyns conducted July-October 2015 (analysis August 2016-August 2017).ResultsThe response rate was 73.2% (353/482). Among ob-gyn\u2019s caring for pregnant women (n=324), vaccination status was most commonly assessed for influenza (97%), Tdap (92%), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines (88%). Vaccines most commonly administered included influenza (85%) and Tdap (76%). Few respondents reported administering other vaccines to pregnant patients. More physicians reported using standing orders for influenza (66%) than Tdap (39%). Other evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccine uptake were less frequently used (electronic decision support, 42%; immunization information system (IIS) to record (13%) or assess vaccination status (11%); reminder/recall, 7%). Barriers most commonly reported were provider financial barriers; provider attitudinal barriers were rare. Providers who administered both influenza and Tdap vaccines were more likely to be female, perceive fewer financial and practice barriers and less likely to be in private practice and perceive more patient barriers.ConclusionWhile most ob-gyns administer some vaccines to pregnant women, the focus remains on influenza and Tdap. Financial barriers and infrequent use of evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccination uptake may be hindering delivery of a broader complement of adult vaccines in ob-gyn offices.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United StatesU01 IP000849/IP/NCIRD CDC HHS/United States2019-02-01T00:00:00Z29246674PMC5783738vault:2591