Knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns of pregnant and lactating women regarding COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional survey of 313 participants from a tertiary care centre of North India

Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns of pregnant and lactating women regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns about COVID 19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women. Results: Most (90%) of the study participants(n =313) agreed that it was essential to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and were aware that pregnant (72.2%) or lactating women (65.2%) are eligible for vaccination. There was a significant positive association between willingness to pay for the vaccine and the socioeconomic status (p<0.01). Women residing in rural areas wanted to wait to see the effect of the vaccine on other pregnant and lactating women (p<0.001). The major factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were unforeseen future effects of vaccines on the foetus (58.6%) and rapid development and approval of vaccine without including pregnant and lactating women in vaccine trials (53.6%). These factors were positively associated with socioeconomic status (p<0.05) and residence (p<0.01) Conclusion: The safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is a major reason for vaccine hesitancy. The policymakers should advocate, investigate, and publicize relevant data on vaccine efficacy and safety among these women. (C) 2022 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Pregnant and lactating women have certain knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, but concerns about vaccine safety still exist. Factors influencing women's vaccine hesitancy include concerns about the future effects of vaccines on the fetus and the exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from vaccine trials during the development and approval process.