Evaluation of intentions to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID 19, pertussis and to get a future vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus in pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION

Pregnant women (PW) are at increased risk of complications due to seasonal influenza and Covid-19. Immunization during pregnancy against pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protects newborns from severe diseases. Our aim was to assess intentions to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, COVID-19, pertussis and RSV in PW and to identify factors associated with intentions.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey in PW followed at a University Hospital in France assessing their knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccination against influenza, Covid-19, and RSV during pregnancy. Primary outcome was intention to receive each vaccine or potential vaccine. Univariable and multivariable analysis were carried out to identify factors associated with intentions to get vaccinated for each vaccine.

RESULTS

Among the 1199 PW followed during the study period, 310 completed the questionnaire. Intentions to get vaccinated were respectively 43.9 %, 36.8 %, 36.1 % and 39.4 % against influenza, Covid-19, pertussis and RSV. Overall confidence in vaccines using 5C-model, recommendation by a healthcare professional (HCP), good knowledge about diseases and vaccines and previous influenza vaccination were associated with flu vaccine acceptance with respective adjusted odds ratios and 95 % Confidence Intervals (aOR) 1.69 (1.09-2.61) by one-point increase in confidence score, 4.89 (2.24-10.7), 1.56 by one-point increase in knowledge score (1.26-1.93), 13.5 and (5.3-34.3). Confidence was also associated with Covid-19 and RSV vaccine acceptance with respective aOR and 95 % CI 2.63 (1.7-4.07) and 1.92 (1.3-2.84). For pertussis, previous flu vaccination or pertussis vaccination in the last 5 years were predictors of pertussis vaccine acceptance during the pregnancy with respective aOR and 95 % CI 1.97 (1.1-3.84) and 2.9 (1.6-5.18).

CONCLUSION

Confidence is associated with seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines acceptance in pregnant women. Receiving a recommendation from a HCP was strongly associated with acceptance of influenza vaccine. Recent vaccination against pertussis was not a barrier to pertussis vaccine acceptance during pregnancy.