[Efficacy of systematic information and prescription of vaccine to implement the recommendations to prevent post-partum pertussis: A limited impact]

Objectives: Despite official recommendations in 2004, antipertussis vaccine coverage in post-partum remains low. Measures used to date to improve the appliance of these recommendations were not implemented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a strategy of education and systematic prescription of antipertussis vaccine, on immunization coverage of mothers in the post-partum.

Patients and methods: This was an analytical, interventional, monocentric study conducted on delivered patients, hospitalized between July 10th and 31st, 2009 in our establishment. Oral (twice: midwife and doctor) and written information about pertussis and order of vaccine were delivered in post-partum.

Results: No patient had reliable information on her vaccination status during hospitalization. According to the patients, information by midwife was provided in 70% of cases. At 6 weeks, the immunization coverage was 16% (10/61 patients), including 8% related to the intervention (vaccinated during postpartum) and 11% for fathers (7/61 fathers) with 7% newly vaccinated. Lack of time, omission in proliferation of information context in puerperium and low socio-economic backgrounds may have influenced the non-vaccination. However medical information is so far still perfectible as evidenced by the rate of patients actually sensitized and postponement vaccination after breastfeeding despite official recommendations.

Discussion and conclusion: Antipertussis vaccination care should also involve physicians before, during and after pregnancy, and pediatricians.