Reddit reveals what pregnant women really want to know about the Tdap vaccine

A study analyzing 86 Reddit posts from pregnant women regarding the Tdap vaccine, published in PLOS Global Public Health, reveals that expectant mothers seek advice and reassurance on the maternal Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is recommended for pregnant women in the third trimester to pass antibodies to their fetus.

Despite the vaccine being crucial for newborns under 1 year of age, Tdap vaccination rates among pregnant women in the U.S. remain low at 55% in 2023.

The researchers focused on Reddit posts written in English, containing the words "Tdap," "pertussis," or "whooping cough," and "pregnant," posted between October 2020 and October 2023. They refined their criteria to include posts from a pregnant woman's perspective, written before delivery, and with the maternal Tdap vaccine as the primary concern.

Of the 86 posts analyzed, many pregnant women sought additional information or clarification from their healthcare provider, expressing concerns about vaccine safety or their choice to refuse the vaccine. However, discussions around vaccine hesitancy or negative perceptions of the Tdap vaccine were uncommon compared to social media conversations about other vaccines.

Pregnant women frequently wanted to know if family members or friends planning to meet the new baby should also receive the Tdap vaccine. While this study is qualitative and may not capture the views of all pregnant women in the U.S., the authors recommend that healthcare providers promote maternal Tdap vaccination while addressing maternal concerns regarding safety, timing, and the rationale for the vaccine.

Public health campaigns should also focus on raising awareness about the maternal Tdap vaccine for both pregnant women and those in close contact with newborns, aiming to enhance understanding and alleviate the burden on pregnant women to educate and convince others.