Maternal vaccination in the NHS (MAVIS) Study
Investigating predictors of vaccination in pregnancy across England, focusing on pertussis

Acknowledgements:
SPONSOR: The study is hosted jointly across the Centre for Academic Child Health (CACH) and the Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation (HPRU-BSE). The University of Bristol is the study sponsor.
ETHICAL APPROVALS: Projects 1 and 2 have ethical approval from the University of Bristol's Faculty of Health Science Research Ethics Committee (ref 9397). Project 3 has ethical approval from the HRA and Health and Care Research Wales and the London-Fulham Research Ethics Committee (ref 22/PR/1166). Project 4 has approval by contractual agreement between the University of Bristol and The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care acting through the CPRD centre of the MHRA.
This research aimed to identify how NHS maternity services can be supported to improve pertussis and other vaccination delivery to pregnant women, aiming to reduce inequities between demographic groups and NHS areas.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (PPI)
- Clinical advisory group (NHS midwives and maternity professionals)
- Parent advisory group (Bristol mothers from underserved communities)
PROJECT 1: VACCINATION PROVISION IN NHS MATERNITY TRUSTS
This study (now complete) provides a valuable overview of the maternal vaccination provision across England’s NHS maternity trusts. Commissioners completed an online survey between June 2022 and March 2023, providing data for 120 of the 124 NHS maternity trusts in England. The results show an increase in the provision of maternal vaccines by maternity trusts over recent years, despite a negative impact of the pandemic on services, though with huge variability between trusts.
Read the full paper here: Maternal vaccination provision in NHS maternity trusts across England
PROJECT 2: THE MATERNITY STAFF PERSPECTIVE
This was a national survey with healthcare professionals working at maternity services in NHS areas with the highest and the lowest coverage for maternal pertussis vaccination. Survey development used theoretical frameworks of behavioural determinants, clinical advisory group consultation and think-aloud user-testing.
551 respondents took part between 25/11/22 and 03/05/2023, with 260 respondents (from 20 trusts) representing high vaccinating areas, and 291 respondents (from 19 trusts) representing low vaccinating areas. Most participants were female midwives working in hospital settings.
Here is a brief newsletter summary of findings: MAVIS - Maternity professionals newsletter (PDF, 612kB)
Publication of full results is planned for 2025 and we will post a publication link here.
PROJECT 3: THE MOTHERS' PERSPECTIVE
This is a survey study with recently pregnant women in areas of England with the lowest maternal pertussis vaccination coverage. Survey development used theoretical frameworks of behavioural determinants, community advisory group consultation and think-aloud user-testing. Recruitment closed on 01 June 2024.
A diverse sample of 377 mothers took part between June 2023 and May 2024 across 7 of the lowest-vaccinating regions of England.
Here is a brief newsletter summary of findings: MAVIS - mothers' newsletter (PDF, 497kB)
Full results are planned for publication in 2025 and we will post a publication link here.