Learning from maternal voices on COVID‐19 vaccine uptake: Perspectives from pregnant women living in the Midwest on the COVID‐19 pandemic and vaccine

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand COVID‐19 vaccine perceptions and decision‐making among a racially/ethnically diverse population of pregnant and lactating women in the Midwest. Pregnant female participants ( N = 27) at least 18 years. or older living in the Midwest were recruited to participate in a maternal voices survey. A mix‐methods approach was used to capture the perceptions of maternal voices concerning the COVID‐19 vaccine. Participants completed an online survey on COVID‐19 disease burden, vaccine knowledge, and readiness for uptake. A total of 27 participants completed the Birth Equity Network Maternal Voices survey. Most participants were African American (64%). Sixty‐three percent intend to get the vaccine. Only 25% felt at‐risk for contracting COVID‐19, and 74% plan to consult their provider about getting the COVID‐19 vaccine. At least 66% had some concerns about the safety of the vaccine. Participants indicated a willingness to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine, especially if recommended by their provider. We found little racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of COVID‐19 and low vaccine hesitancy.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media on the behaviour of pregnant and lactating women towards vaccination: a scoping review

“…The most important reason for refusing COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safety concerns, as described in 19 studies 22 24–27 30–32 36–46. These safety concerns include the assumption of potential harm to the baby and to the mother, both in the short and long term.…”

“…Receiving an influenza vaccine23 27 31 32 36 and/or pertussis vaccine during pregnancy24 32 are positive determinants for accepting COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women. Other positive factors are a recommendation by a HCP or having a discussion with a HCP about COVID-19 vaccines,31 32 36 37 44 46 believing to be at high risk of or concerns about contracting COVID-19,22 29 32 being aware of having an increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19,46 and living with individuals with or themselves suffering from comorbidities/high-risk conditions 31…”

“…Recommendations from HCPs were pinpointed as the most influential strategy to increase vaccine willingness. 44 However, these recommendations are often still overshadowed by anxiety about side effects and messages circulating social media. Another worrying factor is that not all HCPs support COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.…”

“…Before the start of the pandemic, a systematic review defined a HCP recommendation as the most important factor affecting vaccine confidence during pregnancy20; later studies found the same for COVID-19 vaccination. Recommendations from HCPs were pinpointed as the most influential strategy to increase vaccine willingness 44. However, these recommendations are often still overshadowed by anxiety about side effects and messages circulating social media.…”

COVID‐19 and vulnerable populations

“…The sixth article by Redmond et al ( 2022 ), titled “ Learning from Maternal Voices on COVID‐19 Vaccine Uptake: Perspectives from Pregnant Women Living in the Midwest on the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Vaccine ,” explored COVID‐19 vaccine perceptions and decision‐making among African American, Non‐Hispanic White, and Hispanic pregnant and lactating women. In this mixed‐method study, results revealed little differences in perceptions of COVID‐19 and low vaccine hesitancy among the participants.…”