Abstract
A vaccine represents the most promising strategy for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic through primary prevention. No study has been reported on the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa (SA) and in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the Kwadabeka Community Health Center (KCHC), Durban. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors for vaccine acceptability among pregnant women. About two-thirds of pregnant women (63.3%) may accept COVID-19 vaccination once it becomes available in SA. Participants who were <22 years of age were 72% less likely (OR=0.28, CI: 0.13 -0.62) to accept the vaccine, compared to those who were >39 years old. Women with 0-1 parity were 4.3 times more likely (OR=4.3, CI: 1.98-9.48) to accept the vaccine than those with four or more parity. Single pregnant women were less likely (OR=0.23, CI: 0.10- 0.51) to accept the vaccine than those living with their partners. Employed pregnant women had four times more chances of accepting the vaccine (OR= 4.2, CI: 2.28-7.75) than unemployed pregnant women. It was also found that having a positive attitude towards vaccination increased the chance of accepting the vaccine by four times (OR=4.05, CI: 1.89-8.69). Our study found a 63.3% acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine, but there were noticeable demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice disparities observed in vaccine acceptance among pregnant women. Before a COVID-19 vaccine is introduced to SA, public health officials and policymakers must prioritize effective COVID-19 vaccine-acceptance messages and mass education for all South Africans, especially for the most vulnerable.
Highlights
The current 2019 coronavirus disease, known as COVID19, caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a global pandemic causing a major threat to people worldwide
A total of 346 pregnant women participated in this study
This study provides an insight into the demographic variables, level of knowledge, attitudes towards and preventive practices and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among a recognized vulnerable group of pregnant women
Summary
The current 2019 coronavirus disease, known as COVID19, caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a global pandemic causing a major threat to people worldwide. Recent reports have raised concerns of negative outcomes in pregnancy such as preterm birth, neonatal pneumonia, vertical transmission of COVID-19 to the fetus and postpartum infections to mothers [1]-[8]. An effective vaccine that represents the most promising strategy for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic of such magnitude through vaccination as primary prevention is constrained by the demand of time. The COVID-19 epidemic may not stop unless herd immunity is established within the population. Such a situation is usually gained by community infection or vaccination. High vaccination coverage is required to gain herd immunity and stop the COVID-19 pandemic. The development and deployment of a vaccine are one of the most promising strategies in this crisis
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