Open AccessPregnant women’s perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine: A French survey
Author(s) -
Charles Egloff,
Camille Couffignal,
Anne Cordier,
Philippe Deruelle,
Jeanne Sibiude,
O. Anselem,
Alexandra Benachi,
Dominique Luton,
Laurent Mandelbrot,
Christelle VauloupFellous,
Alexandre J. Vivanti,
Olivier Picone
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0263512
Subject(s) - covid-19 , virology , pandemic , medline , medicine , betacoronavirus , coronavirus infections , family medicine , environmental health , chemistry , outbreak , biochemistry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease
Pregnant women are at increased risk for COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccine is the most promising solution to overcome the current pandemic. This study was conducted to evaluate pregnant women’s perceptions and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Materials & methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 18 to April 5 2021. An anonymous survey was distributed in 7 French obstetrics departments to all pregnant women before a prenatal visit. All pregnant women attending a follow-up consultation were asked to participate in the study. An anonymous web survey was available through a QR code and participants were asked whether or not they would agree to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and why. The questionnaire included questions on the patients’ demographics and their knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. Results Of the 664 pregnant women who completed the questionnaire, 29.5% (95% CI 27.7; 31.3) indicated they would agree to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The main reason for not agreeing was being more afraid of potential side effects of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the fetus than of COVID-19. Factors influencing acceptance of vaccination were: being slightly older, multiparity, having discussed it with a caregiver and acceptance of the influenza vaccine. Discussion Nearly one-third of pregnant women in this population would be willing to be vaccinated. In addition to studies establishing fetal safety, public health agencies and healthcare professionals should provide accurate information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.