Infantile pertussis is a severe public health problem that has a substantial global health impact. Adult tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) immunization given to mothers is a very efficient method of avoiding infantile pertussis. Tdap, on the other hand, has not been approved by the Japanese government or included in Japan’s national vaccination program (NIP). Researchers conducted a questionnaire poll to determine if Japanese women would accept the Tdap vaccine if given adequate information. The questionnaire survey was given to pregnant women who attended Nara Medical University’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and moms who visited the Pediatrics Department between October 2018 and May 2019. The questionnaire began with information on pertussis infection and maternal vaccination, and then proceeded to seven questions. The questionnaire was completed by 943 people. Only 4.6 percent of participants understood that maternal immunization can prevent infantile pertussis before reading the article. After reading the information, 93.0 percent of participants felt the maternal Tdap vaccination should be licensed by the Japanese government and included in the NIP, respectively. After reading the material, only 67.6 percent of participants indicated they would get the maternal Tdap vaccination without government funding, while 92.5 percent said they would get the vaccine with government funding.

Most Japanese moms and pregnant women want the maternal Tdap vaccination to be approved by the government and included in the NIP if they are given adequate information.

Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2019.1651000

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