19 September 2018

Despite influenza vaccination being available to pregnant women on the National Immunisation Program and pertussis vaccination being free under State and Territory Programs, vaccination rates remain low^1,2,3, and well below the >90% vaccination rates achieved for infant and childhood immunisations⁴.

This free, online learning module, developed out of concern about suboptimal maternal vaccination rates, aims to provide education to healthcare professionals who care for pregnant women.

The module is delivered through a case-based approach involving the insights from a leading Obstetrician & Maternal-Foetal Medicine subspecialist (Dr Elizabeth McCarthy, FRANZCOG) and General Practitioner (Dr Eugene Goh, MBBS), It also includes the insights of a patient recommended the influenza and pertussis vaccines during pregnancy.

This education program is endorsed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). Participation attracts 2.0 CPD hours.

To access the program, click HERE or copy the following address into your browser: http://praxhub.com/maternal-vaccines/

References:
1. Wiley Ket al. Immunisation and pregnancy- who, what, when and why? Australian Prescriber 2017;40;122-124.
2. [NCIRS-AIP] The Weekly Jab: Special Edition – Influenza Vaccination. Message from Professor Brendan Murphy. 16 June 2017
3. Danchin Met al. Vaccine decision-making begins in pregnancy: Correlation between vaccine concerns, intentions and maternal vaccination with subsequent childhood vaccine uptake. Vaccine 2017;Â http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.08.003
4. Australian Government Department of Health. Immunisation. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mainpublishing.nsf/Content/MC14-004203-lmmunisation (last updated 16 April 2018).