COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Perinatal Period: A Survey Among Residents of Hawaii

Abstract

IntroductionDescribe the vaccination status among people in Hawaiˈi who are attempting pregnancy, currently pregnant, recently delivered (<6 months) and/or breastfeeding and document common concerns and information sources associated with vaccine decision-making. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey between April and September 2022 throughout Hawaiˈi. The anonymous surveys were disseminated via flyers and online links posted by physician offices and community partners throughout Hawaiˈi. ResultsFinal analyses included 165 responses. Almost half of respondents (n= 75, 45%) were unvaccinated, 38% (n=62) were fully vaccinated, and 17 % (n=28) of respondents were partially vaccinated. Most influential sources for vaccine decision- making for vaccinated respondents were their healthcare providers (n=28, 45%), and official healthcare organizations (n=22, 36%), while 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%). ConclusionsEfforts should be made to increase and expand vaccine education about the benefits and safety of vaccines during pregnancy beyond the pregnant person in order 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 uptake of the vaccine during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.