Abstract
Background
The acceptance of vaccines among pregnant and breastfeeding women is vital to alleviate the risk of contracting and transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, we aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and breastfeeding/lactating women and the factors associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant and breastfeeding women living in Saudi Arabia. A 23-item, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant or lactating women.
Results
A total of 160 (53.3%) pregnant women and 140 (46.7%) breastfeeding/lactating mothers participated in the study. When the participants were asked, “Have you been vaccinated or are you planning to take the vaccine during pregnancy or breastfeeding/lactation?” 164 (54.7%) responded with “Yes.” When compared with breastfeeding/lactating mothers (54, 38.6%), pregnant women had more concerns about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccination (77 (48.1%); p = 0.043). The probability of rejecting COVID-19 vaccination was higher among breastfeeding/lactating women with a lower education level than those with a tertiary education level (odds ratio = 3.42, confidence interval = 1.24, 9.45, p = 0.018).
Conclusions
This study reported high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of breastfeeding/lactating women. Concern about vaccine safety among many pregnant women was the major reason for hesitancy. Factors such as low education, concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, and doctors’ (e.g., obstetrician and gynecologist) recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine were associated with vaccine acceptance.