COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Perinatal Women

Abstract

The impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on reproductive health are detrimental. COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women to prevent infection and its sequelae [1]. Vaccine uptake among pregnant women is generally low. Our study aimed to explore views, predictors and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among perinatal women & explore the reasons and concerns for declining it. A prospective cross-sectional muti-centred study was conducted from 1st November 2021 to 31st March 2022. It included 364 perinatal women through convenience sampling. The data was analyzed with Microsoft Excel & SPSS version 28.0 along with thematic analysis. A reasonable number of patients were doubtful about the safety (166/364=45.6%) & effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine (111/364=34%), & declined the vaccine (104/364=28.5%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake included Irish ethnicity, older age, employed status, & beliefs about the safety & effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Major concerns for the declining vaccine were not enough data about vaccine safety in pregnancy & its novel use. There is a need for public health campaigns using the internet and social media for advocating COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. A focused and pragmatic approach is justified in a subgroup of women with vaccine misinformation, myths, and disbelief. The importance of funding future research on vaccines in pregnancy can't be over-emphasized.