Pregnant individuals’ information needs and intention to vaccinate their children with routine and COVID-19 vaccines: Findings from a cross-sectional survey
Abstract
Objective
This study assessed pregnant individuals’ intention to accept routine and COVID-19 vaccines for their baby after birth, and to identify key demographic (e.g., age) and non-demographic characteristics (e.g., prior birth) associated with vaccination intention.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey with pregnant individuals attending prenatal practices affiliated with a large academic medical center and two rural county health departments in the southeastern US. The survey included 11 questions and was self-administered by pregnant individuals in clinic settings. The final analysis included responses from 443 pregnant individuals.
Results
Only 67% of pregnant individuals planned to vaccinate their baby with all recommended routine vaccines; an additional 22% reported having questions about recommendations. Only 35% of pregnant individuals said they would vaccinate their baby as soon as possible with a COVID-19 vaccine. Younger pregnant individuals and those identifying with Black or African American race had lower routine and COVID-19 vaccination intention. Routine vaccination, but not COVID-19 vaccination intention, was associated with familiarity with routine vaccination schedule, trimester of pregnancy, Hispanic ethnicity, history of prior birth, and having access to a computer.
Conclusion
Study findings support differential tailoring of future interventions targeting pregnant individuals to promote routine and COVID-19 vaccines for children.