Maternal Flu Vaccine and Birth Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Omer Saad B., Goodman David, Steinhoff Mark C., Rochat Roger, Klugman Keith P., Stoll Barbara J., Ramakrishnan Usha
Primary Institution: Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Hypothesis
Does maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy reduce the likelihood of premature and small for gestational age births?
Conclusion
The study shows that maternal influenza vaccination is associated with a reduced likelihood of prematurity and small for gestational age births during periods of influenza activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Infants born to vaccinated mothers had 69% lower odds of being small for gestational age during widespread influenza activity.
- Vaccination coverage among mothers of infants born during the influenza season was 19.2%.
- 1,547 babies (10.6%) in the study were born premature.
Takeaway
Getting a flu shot while pregnant can help babies be born on time and at a healthy weight.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort analysis of surveillance data from the Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System was conducted.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding due to differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Limitations
The study did not include data on influenza infection during pregnancy and relied on maternal recall for vaccination status.
Participant Demographics
The study included mothers of infants born in Georgia between June 2004 and September 2006, with a focus on vaccination status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.38–0.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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