Pharmacists: The Key to Maternal Vaccination Uptake
In a recent development, leading health experts have highlighted the importance of pharmacists in boosting maternal vaccination rates in Australia. The focus on Whooping Cough Day on November 8th served as a reminder of the critical need to enhance national maternal immunisation targets and improve coordination within the healthcare system.
The decline in maternal vaccination rates for influenza and pertussis since 2021 has led to a concerning rise in vaccine-preventable infections. Pertussis cases surged to nearly 57,000 in 2024, a staggering seven times the five-year average, resulting in two infant fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of the situation.
Data reveals that fewer than half of pregnant women receive both the flu and pertussis vaccines, with coverage varying across different regions and healthcare settings. The lowest vaccination rates are observed among younger mothers, First Nations women, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions.
On a positive note, the successful rollout of the maternal RSV vaccine in early 2025 has opened doors for improving the uptake of other maternal vaccinations. The National Immunisation Program has shown promising results, indicating a potential opportunity to enhance overall maternal vaccination rates.
The Maternal Immunisation in Australia whitepaper, developed by Biointelect (on behalf of Pfizer Australia) and the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, emphasizes the success of childhood immunisation targets. However, it also points out the absence of equivalent targets for maternal vaccination. Experts argue that setting such targets will provide a unified focus for governments, health services, and practitioners, fostering collaboration and accountability.
One significant challenge, as outlined in the whitepaper, is the fragmented delivery of maternal vaccinations across various healthcare sectors, including general practice, obstetrics, midwifery, pharmacy, and public health. To address this, the whitepaper advocates for investment in system integration and workforce support, ensuring that vaccination providers, including pharmacists, receive adequate training, time, and resources to confidently and consistently discuss and administer vaccinations to pregnant women.
Anna Theophilos, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Vaccination Ambassador, emphasizes the unique role of pharmacists in facilitating maternal vaccination. She states, 'Pharmacists are ideally positioned to make maternal vaccination more accessible and convenient for women.' With pharmacies becoming integral to Australia's immunisation network, there is a real opportunity to enhance access and consistency nationwide.
The introduction of national maternal immunisation targets, as proposed, will bring together various healthcare sectors, from general practice to community pharmacy, to collectively protect more mothers and babies. This collaborative approach is crucial to addressing the current challenges and ensuring better maternal health outcomes.
