Receipt of pertussis vaccine during pregnancy across 7 Vaccine Safety Datalink sites

Objective: In response to widespread pertussis outbreaks and infant deaths, in 2010, the California Department of Health (CDPH) and in 2011 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advised that the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine be administered during pregnancy. The goals of this study were to describe Tdap coverage among pregnant women following these recommendations.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, we utilized electronic medical record and claims data from seven Vaccine Safety Datalink sites to identify pregnancies and Tdap administrations. All Tdap doses were classified as pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy or post-pregnancy/postpartum. For pregnancies ending in a live birth, we evaluated factors associated with Tdap vaccination.

Results: Among 289,141 live births at the California VSD sites, receipt of Tdap during pregnancy increased substantially in the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, when coverage was 15.9, 30.0 and 19.5%, respectively. Among 82,398 women with live births at the Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota VSD sites, receipt of Tdap during pregnancy first increased in 2012, at 16.0%. Women receiving early prenatal care and other vaccine(s) during pregnancy had higher Tdap coverage.

Conclusion: We observed substantial increases in Tdap coverage during pregnancy following CDPH and ACIP recommendations.