Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Rate of Influenza Vaccination in a Predominately African American Pregnant Population

Background The data is sparse on the uptake of preventative vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the pregnant population. Our goal was to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rate of influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (TDAP) vaccination in a predominantly African American pregnant population. Methods This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study compared the influenza vaccination rates of pregnant women 18 years and older between the pre-COVID influenza season (September 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020) and the COVID influenza season (September 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021). Results The influenza vaccination rate was statistically significant with a rise from 51.9% pre-pandemic to 72.4% post-pandemic (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.437; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64- 3.62; p=0.001). The TDAP vaccination rates remained consistent from the pre-pandemic rate of 65.6% to the pandemic rate of 68.6% (p=0.435). Conclusion We concluded that the pandemic had a positive impact on influenza vaccination rates in the pregnant population.