Background
Pregnant women and their unborn babies are at increased risk from serious complications, hospitalisation and death from infectious diseases. Vaccinations for influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and Covid-19 vaccination are available free for pregnant women in the UK, but uptake of these repeatedly remains low. This qualitative study aims to explore how pregnant women feel about vaccinations, and what factors influence the uptake of vaccinations amongst pregnant women since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods
Pregnant women were recruited via two participating hospitals in one geographic area of the UK, and via one community group offering support to pregnant women from ethnic minorities. Interviews were conducted remotely using telephone, were anonymised and transcribed using a University approved transcription service, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely with 43 pregnant women. The following themes were identified as influencing uptake of vaccinations amongst pregnant women: internal factors and beliefs, vaccination related factors, external influences and Covid-19 and changing perceptions of the pandemic.
Discussion
Findings of this study increase awareness of some of the factors influencing vaccination decisions of pregnant women. It informs practice regarding healthcare professionals’ discussions with pregnant women about vaccinations, and future vaccination campaigns and interventions that are targeting an increase in vaccination uptake amongst this population
