Factors associated with receipt of COVID-19 immunization during pregnancy

Abstract

To identify factors associated with receipt of COVID-19 immunization during pregnancy. Between April and June 2021, 383 pregnant patients were approached during their first or second trimester ultrasound visit to complete a web-based questionnaire comprising of 20 attitude and behavior items on COVID-19 and vaccination. The primary outcome was a receipt of at least one COVID-19 shot during pregnancy. Bivariate and multivariate models were used to determine which maternal characteristics and general vaccine practices are independently associated with the receipt of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. 280 pregnant patients took the survey, of these 82 (29.3%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinated participants were significantly older, had higher income and years of education and were more likely to be married and self-identify as White (Table 1). The vaccinated subgroup also was less likely to ever decline a recommended vaccine during pregnancy or for their children. The strongest negative predictor of vaccination was a concern of the long-term effect or robustness of scientific evidence for the COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted OR 0.28, 95% Cl 0.13 – 0.56 and adjusted OR 0.28, 95% Cl 0.13 – 0.56, respectively). The strongest positive predictor for vaccination was the social belief that the COVID-19 vaccine will help protect the family unit (Table 2). The knowledge that pregnant patients with COVID-19 can have a worse clinical course was no longer a positive predictor for vaccination when adjusted for general vaccination beliefs/behaviors. COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy is influenced by the concern for research and knowledge of long-term impact of the vaccines and motivated by the social desire to protect family members rather than patients themselves. This data could inform future vaccination campaigns for promotion of COVD-19 vaccination during pregnancy.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)