Evalouation of the Knowledge, Practices and Reasons of Accept or Reject forInfluenza Vaccineat the Pregnant Women in Sari City

Pregnant women are at increased risk for influenza outcomes. Influenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women to decrease complications of influenza infection.The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of knowledge, practices toward influenza vaccination and to identify reasons for accepting or rejecting the immunization.
This is a cross-sectional study wich was done on 384 pregnant women referred health centers and gynecologists offices in sari. After explanation about the aim of the study participants received questionnaire about influenza vaccination included, demographic information, knowledge and practices and completed them. Data was analyzed by SPSS 17.
The Overall knowledge of influenza vaccination was low. Influenza vaccination coverage was 5.5%.in women who did not receive the vaccine in pregnancy, the most common reason given was concerned about exposing the fetus to possible risk from vaccine.
Pregnant women are ill-informed about influenza vaccination and its benefits and influenza vaccination coverage is low. It seems Educational programs offering information on influenza, the benefits of maternal vaccination, vaccine safety should be designed for women and healthcare workers.