Low Vaccination Rates Among Pregnant Women in Norway Raise Public Health Concerns
A recent study reveals concerningly low influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates among pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 season, falling significantly short of recommended targets. The findings underscore the need for improved strategies to protect both mothers and their newborns from preventable illnesses.
Study Findings and Recommendations
Research published in Eurosurveillance, conducted by Stecher et al. From the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, showed that only 29.9% of pregnant women were vaccinated against influenza, and 12.1% against COVID-19. These rates are substantially below the 75% target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for at-risk groups.
The study analyzed data from 53,161 women who delivered in Norway between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, utilizing information from the Medical Birth Registry Norway (MBRN) and the Norwegian Immunisation Registry (SYSVAK). Only 11.4% of pregnant women received both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccination Timing and Regional Variations
Vaccination coverage varied depending on the month of delivery and stage of pregnancy. Influenza vaccine uptake was 22.3% during the second or third trimester, peaking in February at 50.8% before declining. COVID-19 vaccination followed a similar trend, with 10.1% of women vaccinated during the second or third trimester.
Significant regional differences were also observed. Oslo and Vestland counties exhibited the highest vaccination coverage, while Northern Norway had the lowest. Lower uptake was particularly noticeable among women aged 25 years or younger.
Barriers to Vaccination and Potential Solutions
Despite a generally high level of trust in health authorities in Norway, the study identified practical and psychological barriers hindering vaccination uptake. Researchers suggest addressing these barriers by removing financial costs, improving vaccine accessibility, and utilizing trusted information sources to address vaccine hesitancy.
The authors point to the success of integrating the whooping cough vaccine into Norway’s maternal immunization program as a model for improving coverage. Prior to integration, vaccination rates were low; however, offering the vaccine freely within routine prenatal care significantly increased uptake.
The Role of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), a national competence institution under the Ministry of Health and Care Services, plays a crucial role in monitoring population health, conducting research, and providing guidance to the health sector. The NIPH is responsible for knowledge production and systematic reviews, contributing to emergency preparedness and health analysis.
In Norway, the influenza vaccine is available during the influenza season, while the COVID-19 vaccine is accessible year-round. Both are generally recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and are accessed through appointments with healthcare professionals; the influenza vaccine incurs a cost, while the COVID-19 vaccine is free.
Global Implications
The challenges observed in Norway are not unique. Similar issues with limited surveillance systems and inconsistent integration of maternal immunization programs exist globally, highlighting the need for coordinated international efforts to promote vaccination during pregnancy.