Evaluating Ob-Gyn Resident Beliefs Toward COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Safety and Efficacy in Pregnancy: A National Survey [ID: 1375473

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination beliefs vary across the United States. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published formal recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. Outlooks regarding maternal vaccination among obstetrician–gynecologists have important implications for maternal morbidity and mortality. Resident perception of COVID-19 vaccination has yet to be studied. Our national survey sought to evaluate ob-gyn resident views regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy in pregnancy. METHODS: In April 2022, a national survey was sent to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in the United States. Responses were obtained and descriptive analysis was performed. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: The majority of ob-gyn residents believed that pregnant patients should be vaccinated against COVID-19 (96.1%, n=73). In the outpatient setting, most resident physicians reported that they strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to pregnant patients (89.5%, n=68). The majority of respondents believed the COVID-19 vaccine is effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality (98.7%, n=75). Of that subgroup, a minority of respondents felt the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy is unknown (10.7%, n=8). Geographic distribution of respondents, as defined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Census designations, were as follows: Midwest (34.3%, n=26); Northeast (40.8%, n=31); South (10.5%, n=8); West (14.4%, n=11). CONCLUSION: The majority of ob-gyn residents believed the COVID-19 vaccine to be effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Although a minority were uncertain regarding its safety profile, they continued to recommend vaccination per ACOG guidelines. While descriptive responses were homogenous, a paucity of respondents from the South and West regions made geographic distribution uneven.