COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients’ Perceptions

Authors

Molly Schassberger, University of New England College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Charlotte Kirk, University of New England College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Samantha Fields, University of New England College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Carol Brenner, University of New England College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Andrea M. Bodine MDFollow

Author Credentials

Molly Schassberger, MS-III

Charlotte Kirk, MS-III

Samantha Fields, MS-III

Carol Brenner, PhD

Andrea M. Bodine, MD

Abstract

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients’ Perceptions

Schassberger¹, M, MS III, Kirk¹, C, MS III, Fields¹, S, MS III, Brenner¹, C, Ph.D., Bodine², A, M.D.

¹University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine

²Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Introduction: The COVID-19 vaccination rate of US pregnant individuals of childbearing age was 42.3%, compared to 63.7% of the total population as of 1/15/2022 despite ACOG and CDC recommendations. Our objectives were to determine patients’ perceptions on COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy around the time of pregnancy, vaccine information sources, and to compare patients’ COVID-19 vaccination rates around the time of pregnancy to other vaccinations. The study goal was to inform providers of patients’ perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a community teaching hospital. Patients with ICD-10 codes for pregnancy during 2021 were emailed an anonymous survey gathering information regarding perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine around the time of pregnancy. Chi square testing was used for significance.

Results: The survey was emailed to 1444 patients; 265 responses were obtained over seven days. Participants who did not receive the vaccine were concerned the vaccine made pregnancy less safe. Participants thought there was insufficient research regarding the vaccine and pregnancy. Unvaccinated participants obtained information from friends/family, social media, and internet forums while those vaccinated obtained information from the CDC and providers. Participants were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination than other vaccinations. Unvaccinated participants were less likely to receive influenza vaccines.

Conclusions: Patients have concerns regarding safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination around the time of pregnancy. Individuals who chose to get the vaccination more likely obtained information from providers or the CDC. Those who were not vaccinated were less likely to receive influenza vaccines and other vaccines during their pregnancies.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Schassberger M, Kirk C, Fields S, Brenner C, Bodine AM. COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients’ Perceptions. Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery. 2023; 3(2). doi: 10.53785/2769-2779.1143.

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