Physician barriers in recommending flu vaccine to healthy pregnant women

Pregnancy induces an immunosuppressed state that enables maternal tolerance of a genetically distinct fetus but increases susceptibility to infections such as influenza. National health authorities, including the CDC, ACOG, and ACIP, recommend influenza vaccination for all pregnant women during flu season. Despite these guidelines, only 51% of pregnant women in the U.S. received the vaccine during the 2009–2010 season. This study aims to assess whether physician specialty (OB/GYN vs. Family Medicine) and practice location influence routine recommendation (91–100% of the time) of influenza vaccination to healthy pregnant women. Additionally, it seeks to identify barriers to offering the vaccine, including provider beliefs, logistical challenges, cost, and integration into routine care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among licensed Oregon physicians who provided prenatal care within the past 12 months.