Perceptions, healthcare messaging and its impact on COVID vaccine uptake
in pregnancy : A cross-sectional survey
Abstract
Objective: To gain in-depth insights into factors affecting COVID-19
vaccine acceptance in pregnant women. This demographic has lower rates
of COVID vaccination despite being disproportionally negatively affected
by COVID. Design: A single centre cross-sectional online survey
distributed 13th August 2021 to 21st September 2021 on local networks.
Setting: Online Population: Pregnant population in a large District
General Hospital in the West Midlands, UK. Main Outcome Measures: i)
demographic and baseline data ii) awareness of information sources; iii)
opinions on COVID and vaccination, iv) vaccination decisions. Results:
92 total eligible responses were quantitatively and qualitatively
analysed. 60.9% (n=56) had declined, or would decline, a COVID-19
vaccination. Those who had a previous negative pregnancy experience were
significantly more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccination (OR 3.9;
p<0.05, 95% CI 1.32-11.52). Over half (53.2%) of
participants either agreed or strongly agreed that discussion with a
healthcare professional was important in decision making on vaccination
. GPs were the least supportive of the vaccination (62.5%) compared to
midwives (78.8%) and obstetric consultants (81.8%). The most common
reason for declining the vaccine were perceived risks to the fetus; this
was also frequently reported in the qualitative analysis. Other
qualitative themes included; distrust of recommendations, conflict of
information and uncertainty. Conclusions: There is a need for consistent
health professional messaging around vaccine uptake in pregnancy and the
use of appropriate evidence based information, particularly focusing on
its safety and impact on fetus. There is a need to nurture a
collaborative approach and informed decision making.