Abstract:
Background The antenatal period is known to be an important time for parents’ decision-making around immunisation. Historically parents have discussed immunisation issues within the general practice environment. However with most antenatal and early postnatal care now occurring outside the general practice, many parents now have little contact with the general practice. Other antenatal avenues for education are now likely to be their only source of information. There is no definitive research on what information is being disseminated to parents on this topic. Aim This study aimed to determine what immunisation literature is provided to parents in antenatal education classes in Central Auckland. Methods This small study involved 40 parents recruited from visits to a large Auckland maternity hospital. They were asked a range of questions on what sources of immunisation information they were given in antenatal classes and on their decision-making processes. Results Thirty-four (85%) recalled receiving immunisation information during antenatal classes. Twenty-one parents (52%) did not feel they had enough information with which to make a decision, and of the identifiable sources of information given out, nearly half (7/15) included known anti-immunisation literature. Overall, two-thirds considered themselves very likely to immunise, but only one-third felt confident about their decision. Key Message Immunisation education needs more focus in the antenatal education arena and provision of anti-immunisation material is inappropriate to support decision-making processes for parents, which needs to be based on reliable, quality information.