A qualitative exploration of Australian women's vaccination experiences and information needs for routine, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines in pregnancy.

PROBLEM: New maternal vaccine introduction may affect pregnant women's information needs and decision-making processes.

BACKGROUND

The number of vaccines available to pregnant women in Australia has doubled with the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic and recent approval of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.

AIM: This study explored the maternal vaccine experiences and evolving information needs of Australian pregnant women during and since the pandemic.

METHODS

This qualitative study recruited participants through social media and a Melbourne public antenatal clinic. Eligible women were either pregnant mid-pandemic (gave birth May 2021-April 2022) or pregnant post-pandemic during the study period (June 2023-March 2024). Online interviews exploring information-seeking and decision-making practices for influenza, pertussis, COVID-19, and maternal RSV vaccines were inductively thematically analysed.

FINDINGS: We interviewed twenty-two women with different levels of vaccine acceptance, identifying four themes: (i) "Full mother mode" to protect the baby - perceived disease risk influenced vaccine decision-making; (ii) "Fear of the unknown and comfort of the familiar" - testing and safety data on known vaccines provided confidence. More information was needed for the new RSV vaccine due to less familiarity; (iii) Whatever the provider says, "she's the professional" - providers' recommendations and personal vaccine decisions provided reassurance; (iv) "I want time to learn about it" - women preferred consistent information early in pregnancy for unhurried decision-making.

CONCLUSION

Information about new maternal vaccines like RSV should be provided early in pregnancy, emphasising vaccine testing rigour, effectiveness and safety for the baby. Consistent recommendations across providers are essential.