Tschann MS, Ronquillo TN, Sternberg LM, Wong ZJ, Soon R, Kaneshiro BE. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Perinatal Period: A Survey Among Residents of Hawaii.
AJPM Focus 2024;
3:100179. [PMID:
38317785 PMCID:
PMC10839259 DOI:
10.1016/j.focus.2023.100179]
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Abstract
Introduction
This study describes the vaccination status among people in Hawaii who are attempting pregnancy, currently pregnant, recently delivered (<6 months), and/or breastfeeding and documents common concerns and information sources associated with vaccine decision making.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey between April and September 2022 throughout Hawaii. The anonymous surveys were disseminated through flyers and online links posted by physician offices and community partners throughout Hawaii.
Results
Final analyses included 165 responses. Almost half of the respondents (n=75, 45%) were unvaccinated, 38% (n=62) were fully vaccinated, and 17% (n=28) were partially vaccinated. The most influential sources for vaccine decision making for vaccinated respondents were their healthcare providers (n=28, 45%) and official healthcare organizations (n=22, 36%), whereas unvaccinated respondents reported friends/family (n=28, 37%) and their healthcare providers (n=26, 35%) as their most influential sources. Top COVID-19 vaccine concerns for unvaccinated individuals were reactions to vaccine (n=78, 76%) and concerns for safety of the vaccine (n=75, 73%).
Conclusions
Efforts should be made to increase and expand vaccine education about the benefits and safety of vaccines during pregnancy beyond the pregnant person to create more supportive social norms for COVID-19 vaccination in the perinatal period. Consistent and unequivocal support across medical specialties, including obstetrics, pediatrics, and family medicine, is also crucial for encouraging the uptake of the vaccine during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
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