COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Pregnancy

Introduction: There has been a global effort to develop and distribute an effective vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. Currently, there are three COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized by the FDA for emergency use. Because pregnant women were among the most affected by the COVID-19 virus they were among the first to be offered the vaccine. Due to the novelty of these vaccines limited data exists regarding the acceptance of the vaccine amongst pregnant women. Multiple studies have posited factors such as ethnic background, socioeconomic status as reasons for disparities in rates of vaccination in pregnant women. There have been data that show people of color, lower socioeconomic status and lower level of education are associated with lower rates of vaccination.

Methods: This was an IRB exempt descriptive study utilizing an anonymous survey. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women who presented for care at our institution's affiliated Maternal Fetal Medicine office. Exclusion criteria were non-English/Spanish speakers. The primary outcome was the acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. Secondary analysis was performed on participant demographic information.

Results: A total of 701 pregnant women were surveyed. There is a low rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women of only 13.69%. There was no significant difference in the acceptance rates of the COVID-19 vaccine among ethnic groups or level of education Participants who were willing to get the flu vaccine and/or the Tdap vaccine were also more likely to obtain the COVID vaccine (p = 0.0037 and p < 0.0001 respectively). Subjects who had respiratory medical problems in the pregnancy were more likely to decline the COVID vaccine than those who had either other medical problems or no medical problems (p = 0.0279). Subjects who had a member of their household receiving or planning to receive the COVID vaccine were also more likely to obtain the vaccine for themselves (p < 0.0001)

Conclusion: There is a low rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women. Women who either had previously obtained the flu/Tdap vaccine in pregnancy or who had a household member affected by the virus were more likely to accept the vaccine. In our population, people who had respiratory medical problems were more likely to decline the vaccine. Efforts need to be made to encourage the vaccine in this vulnerable population to protect them from the health risks of the COVID-19 virus.

Publication History

Article published online:
17 September 2021