Twin Pregnancy Vaccinations Deemed Safe: UQ Study Reassures Expectant Mothers

Brisbane, QLD – Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have confirmed that women carrying twins who receive influenza or whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines do not face a higher risk of birth complications. The comprehensive study found these vaccines are safe and do not increase the risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, or infants small for gestational age.

The study found these vaccines are safe and do not increase the risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, or infants small for gestational age.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Research

This crucial research addresses a notable gap in previous studies, which primarily focused on women carrying a single baby. Dr. Lisa McHugh from UQ's School of Public Health underscored the importance of this specific focus. Twin pregnancies, by their nature, involve higher risks and therefore cannot be directly compared to singleton pregnancies.

Study Scope and Vaccination Rates

The study meticulously examined data from 11,435 infants, born from 5,757 twin pregnancies across Queensland and the Northern Territory, between 2012 and 2017.

A significant finding revealed that 72% of women with twin pregnancies remained unvaccinated against both influenza and whooping cough during this period. Conversely, only 2% of women pregnant with twins received the flu shot, and 16% received a whooping cough vaccine. These figures are considerably lower when compared to singleton pregnancies, which saw 14% flu vaccination and 30% whooping cough vaccination in the same timeframe.

Findings indicated that 72% of women with twin pregnancies were unvaccinated against influenza and whooping cough during this period.

Beyond Safety: Potential Benefits Identified

Beyond confirming safety, the study identified potential benefits within certain vaccinated groups:

• A 15% lower risk of small babies was observed in whooping cough vaccinated pregnancies in Queensland.
• A 22% reduction in preterm birth risk was noted for whooping cough vaccinated pregnancies in the Northern Territory.
• A 7% lower risk of preterm birth was identified in Queensland's influenza vaccinated pregnancies.

Reassurance and Recommendations

Lead author Kahlee Boyle affirmed that the medical and maternal communities had eagerly sought this research for reassurance. Healthcare providers are considered vital in promoting vaccine acceptance during pregnancy.

Vaccines for pregnant women are fully funded under Australia's National Immunisation Program. Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe influenza and whooping cough due to their immature immune systems, with early or small babies facing even higher risks. Pregnant women themselves are also at an increased risk of severe illness if unvaccinated, particularly during the third trimester.