New Initiative for Pregnancy IZ Recommendations

In early August, the California chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) launched a new initiative on immunization education for an important, yet often overlooked, audience: pregnant women.  During the past year, the Branch has collaborated closely with the California ACOG, physicians, pregnant women, Immunization Coordinators, community organizations, WIC, the Office of Women’s Health, and others to spread the word about new pregnancy immunization recommendations. The initiative specifically addresses Tdap and varicella recommendations, and recent changes in California law affecting flu vaccine for pregnant women. 

One product of the collaboration is a new website, www.PregnancyShotsCA.org where information about pregnancy recommendations can be accessed quickly and easily. The website features up-to-date, easy-to-navigate information and resources for both health care providers and women of childbearing age. The Provider Information section summarizes current recommendations and contains links to MMWR articles, quick guides, and vaccine safety information. A new brochure, Immunizations for a Healthy Pregnancy, was developed with input from physicians and other partners and can be accessed online in English, Spanish, and Chinese.