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Uptake of influenza, pertussis and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy in the post pandemic era in Western Greece

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Published: Apr 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/healthresj.43132
Keywords:
Vaccination pregnancy influenza pertussis COVID-19
Panagiotis Kanellakis
MD, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Agapi Maratou
MD, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Eleni Konstantinou
MW, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Ageliki Karatza
MW, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Xenofon Sinopidis
MW, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Gabriel Dimitriou
MW, Kato Achaia Primary Health Care Center, Kato Achaia, Greece
Despoina Gkentzi
MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras Medical School, Rio, Patras, Greece
Abstract

Background: Although vaccination against influenza, pertussis and COVID-19 is recommended during pregnancy, rates of uptake are suboptimal. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of women towards antenatal vaccination, the predictors of vaccine uptake and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  


Method and Material: We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study on pregnant and postpartum women in ten public healthcare facilities in Western Greece.


Results: Out of 145 women recruited, 18% were vaccinated against influenza during current or recent pregnancy, 11.8% against pertussis, and only 4.9% against COVID-19. Obstetrician`s recommendation was an important predictive factor of vaccination (p=0.021, OR=7.223 for influenza vaccination, p=0.045, OR=9.421 for COVID-19 vaccination). The COVID-19 pandemic did not seem to have affected pregnant women's attitudes.


Conclusions: Vaccination rates of pregnant women in Western Greece remain low. Public health interventions to increase awareness in the field should target both pregnant women and healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care.  

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