Abstract

Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant patients and considers it safe for the mother and fetus, only 31% of pregnant Americans have received it. The concern of adverse effects is the main reason for hesitancy, despite the possible risks of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on the mother and fetus. Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are more likely to be admitted to the ICU, require intubation, experience preterm birth, stillbirth, or result in maternal death. Vaccinations are important to protect pregnant women and their infants from infection and poor outcomes. Previous studies suggest focusing on messages related to vaccine safety and protection of the infant because it is motivating to mothers, especially when delivered by a trusted health care professional. Assessing the attitudes of pregnant women on the COVID-19 vaccination can help providers be the source of accurate messaging and counseling for patients, which will ultimately improve health outcomes for mother and infant. Our objective with this survey study was to understand pregnant women’s perception of the COVID-19 vaccination and their reasoning to get vaccinated against COVID-19.