Evaluation of maternal immunization in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and the acceptance of tetanus toxiod (TT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine among pregnant women in Nigeria. One hundred and sixty pregnant women selected by a systematic sampling method were interviewed and dates of actual receipt of vaccines were confirmed from antenatal records. Ninety-six per cent of respondents were aware of the maternal immunization (MI) programme. Ninety-five per cent expressed that MI is good and beneficial to both mothers and babies. TT was received by 87.5%. Two doses of TT were received by 73.75% within the second trimester of pregnancy, while 6.25% completed the TT regimen. Only 18.75% had received the HBV vaccine before being pregnant. Acceptance and actual receipt of TT was high but there was no screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) nor HBV vaccines given to the women. Midwives and the government need to intensify the education of the public on maternal immunization.