Survey Reveals Continued Need for Maternal Immunization Awareness

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2025 — A new survey conducted by the National Coalition for Infant Health highlights the critical need for ongoing education regarding immunizations for pregnant women and newborns. The survey, titled “Understanding Perspectives on Maternal and Infant Immunizations,” included responses from 300 pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of two.

As the respiratory season winds down, this survey indicates that awareness of vaccines and preventive treatments, such as long-acting monoclonal antibodies, remains insufficient. Immunizations are essential for the health of both mothers and infants, yet misinformation and hesitancy are significant barriers to achieving widespread immunization.

“This study underscores the importance of education in maternal healthcare. Our findings suggest that many mothers still lack critical information about immunizations,” said a spokesperson for the coalition. The organization, which consists of various clinical and support groups, emphasizes the need for patient-centered care to improve health outcomes for all infants, regardless of prematurity status.

Among key highlights from the survey, it was found that many women rely heavily on healthcare professionals as their primary source of information regarding vaccinations. Despite this, a substantial portion of respondents expressed concerns about vaccine safety, influenced largely by social media and anecdotal accounts.

The results indicated that approximately 65% of participants believed that they received adequate information about vaccines during prenatal care appointments. However, only 45% felt confident in their understanding of the importance of immunizations for their newborns. “We need to bridge that gap with comprehensive educational resources,” the spokesperson added.

The coalition urges healthcare providers to facilitate open discussions about immunization, addressing common myths and providing clear, evidence-based information. These efforts are vital, especially considering that infants are particularly susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases.

The National Coalition for Infant Health highlights that increasing education on immunizations is crucial in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary healthcare. The survey findings will be used to enhance outreach efforts and develop targeted educational materials for expectant mothers.