COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pregnant Women

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pregnant Women

Presenter(s)

Katherine Marie Murin, Emma Catherine Schaefer

Comments

Presentation: 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

This project reflects research conducted as part of a course project designed to give students experience in the research process.

Course: MED 480

Description

The effects of SARs-CoV-2 infection on maternal and fetal health has been at the forefront of research throughout the pandemic (Shimabukuro et al., 2021). Chen (2021) reports that vaccination above the herd immunity level can decrease the spread of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. A study of 300 pregnant women conducted by Ahyan et al. (2021) suggests that the initial limited research on vaccine efficacy and mistrust of the vaccine were two factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. SARs-CoV-2 infection is known to cause inflammatory and vascular changes in the placenta and activate a maternal immune response that can disrupt development of the fetus (Prochaska et al., 2020). Further research shows that unvaccinated pregnant women are at a higher risk for hospitalization compared to those who are vaccinated (Iacobucci, 2021). According to Leik et al. (2021), current research on the effects of the vaccine in pregnant women suggests no significant effects on gestation, childbirth, and perinatal mortality and provides evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective in providing maternal immunity with possible transference of maternal antibodies to the fetus. Iacobucci (2021) argues that to reduce hesitancy, vaccines should be easily accessible and healthcare providers should be open to multiple discussions with patients, emphasizing the benefits outweighing the risks of vaccination. The purpose of this poster is to summarize current research studying the effects of SARs-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine on maternal and fetal health. The poster will provide recommendations for healthcare providers to encourage the vaccine during pregnancy and to educate pregnant women to combat hesitancy.

Publication Date

4-20-2022

Project Designation

Course Project

Primary Advisor

Kathleen C. Scheltens

Primary Advisor's Department

Premedical Programs

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pregnant Women

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