Purpose for the program: Share process, strategies, and metrics of a successful postpartum vaccination program.

Proposed change: Implementation of a postpartum vaccination program.

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Protecting our newborns while educating the new family regarding pertussis - highlighting the public health challenges that this initiative presents.

Implications for nursing practice:

Process and metrics will be presented. Documentation of why vaccine is not administered will be presented.

Keywords: pertussis, Tdap, postpartum vaccination

A Postpartum Pertussis Vaccination Program:

   A Celebration of the Baystate  Experience

Pertussis is on the rise. In 2010 localized outbreaks were reported in Michigan, Ohio, and California. California’s outbreak included 10 infant deaths. The fatality rate in newborns less than 3 months is 1.4% while fifty-five percent of infant pertussis is caused by an infected parent. Challenged by a visit from our regional immunization nurse highlighting public safety concerns, along with recommendations by both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice [ACIP] and the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians [ACOG], the Perinatal Committee agreed to implement a postpartum pertussis vaccination program. This presentation will provide the steps taken to initialize and mobilize the process followed by educational strategies, including timelines and metrics. Nurse and patient perceptions related to immunizations will be shared. Discussion continues regarding cocooning and immunizing the family unit, including the operational challenges this particular initiative presents.  An update will be provided.

Immunizing eighty percent of all postpartum moms’ with Tdap in 2011 is our goal. In July 2011 our rate was seventy-nine percent – a true cause for celebration!