Although vaccinations during pregnancy can save the lives of both mother and child, only 15.6% of Polish women choose so-called dual vaccination – against influenza and COVID-19. This is one of the key findings from a study conducted by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University – Dr. Jolanta Lis-Kuberka and Prof. Magdalena Orczyk-Pawiłowicz.
Experts emphasize that vaccinating pregnant women is one of the most effective strategies to protect newborns from severe viral infections during the first months of life – a period when the baby is not yet eligible for many vaccines. Nevertheless, many women in Poland remain concerned about the potential impact of vaccines on the developing fetus.
– The biggest barrier for women in Poland when deciding on vaccination during pregnancy is concern about vaccine safety and their potential effects on the fetus. This fear stems from a lack of knowledge, insufficient reliable information from medical staff, and worries about the baby’s health – says Dr. Jolanta Lis-Kuberka from Wroclaw Medical University.
Knowledge Protects – But It’s Lacking
The study included over 950 women after childbirth. It found that the willingness to be vaccinated during pregnancy was higher among older women, those with higher education, and those with more knowledge about immunization. Women living in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants were more likely to get vaccinated than those from rural areas. The lowest vaccination rate – and the lowest breastfeeding rate – was recorded among young mothers with overweight or obesity.
– Promoting prenatal vaccination and providing trustworthy information about both the short– and long-term benefits of breastfeeding are crucial for comprehensive maternal and neonatal care – emphasizes Dr. Lis-Kuberka.
Vaccines – A Shield of Immunity for Infants
Vaccinating pregnant women results in the transfer of antibodies both through the placenta and breast milk. As a result, the baby receives a ready-made “immunity package” that protects it in the first months of life – before it can receive its own vaccines. Still, many women fail to connect vaccination with a broader child-feeding strategy. Therefore, as the researchers highlight, it is essential to integrate education on vaccination and lactation into a unified message.
– The most effective educational strategies include individual and group education by trained professionals, the implementation of BFHI standards (Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative), which support breastfeeding, and the use of modern communication tools such as social media or video campaigns – explains Dr. Lis-Kuberka.
Recommendations for the Healthcare System
The research team has also developed specific recommendations for the healthcare system:
Primary care physicians, gynecologists, and midwives should actively recommend vaccination to pregnant women.
Educational materials and communication standards for medical personnel should be developed.
Nationwide informational campaigns targeting women of reproductive age should be launched.
Special attention should be given to young women from smaller towns and rural areas, and to patients with overweight or obesity.
Consider implementing a monitoring system for vaccination rates among pregnant women.
This material is based on an article:
Maternal Vaccination and Neonatal Feeding Strategies Among Polish Women
Vaccines
Authors: Jolanta Lis-Kuberka, Magdalena Orczyk-Pawiłowicz