Implementing a Postpartum Tdap Vaccination Program In a Military Treatment Facility
- Discuss California Dept of Public Health and CDC recommendations for immunizing postpartum women against pertussis.
- Identify three strategies for development and implemenation of a Tdap vaccination program in postpartum women.
- Review outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of the Tdap vaccination program.
Proposed change: Pertussis is highly contagious and is spread by inhalation of respiratory droplets or aerosols. Newborns are a vulnerable population who are too young for routine immunization with DTaP. The current recommendation is to immunize household contacts, healthcare workers and childcare workers who are in close contact with newborns against pertussis.
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Development of a multi-disciplinary immunization program that included the training of staff members, creation of policy and procedures for immunization administration, ensuring competency of staff, and development of patient education materials. Following the initiation of the immunization program the Tdap administration rate was 80%. Within 2 months the administration rate has continued sustainment at 80%.
Implications for nursing practice: As new issues in women's and children's health arise, nurses must be prepared to quickly respond to the challenge. Development and implementation of the Tdap program provides an algorhythm for future needs.
Keywords: Whooping cough, pertussis, Tdap, post-partum immunizations
