Maternal vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic:A qualitative interview study with UK pregnant women. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Emma; Brigden, Amberly; Davies, Anna; Shepherd, Emily; Ingram, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 100(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Pandemics -- Covid-19 -- Pregnant women -- Vaccines -- Qualitative research -- Maternal health services; HCP Healthcare professional -- IMD Index of multiple deprivation -- NHS, National Health Service -- PiP Study Pregnant in a Pandemic Study -- UK United Kingdom; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There is suboptimal uptake of recommended maternal vaccines (pertussis and influenza) during pregnancy in the UK. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare services, and potentially vaccine coverage, and brought the need for new vaccines to be tested and rolled out. Objectives: To explore: i) the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pregnant women's access to, and attitudes towards, routine maternal vaccines and; ii) women's attitudes towards testing Covid-19 vaccines on pregnant women and their personal willingness to take part in such a trial. Design: Qualitative interview study with pregnant women in the Bristol and surrounding area (UK). Methods: Semi-structured telephone/videoconference interviews were conducted (following a topic guide), transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Thirty-one pregnant women (selected for demographic range) were interviewed in April/May 2020. Participants felt the pandemic had elevated the importance of routine maternal vaccines, though women were concerned about safety management around appointment attendance. Women were wary of receiving a new Covid-19 vaccine, with most perceiving it as riskier than Covid-19 itself. Conclusions: It is important to maximise the safety and efficiency of maternity appointments to encourage uptake of routine maternal vaccines, and to communicate this well. For pregnant women to gain a new vaccine or participate in a vaccine trial, they need to be convinced that the risk posed by the virus is greater than any risk of receiving a new vaccine.