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

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q1 NURSING

Midwifery Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI:10.1016/j.midw.2025.104402

Claire Carew , Ashleigh Rak , Jane Tuckerman , Deborah Pidd , Sophie Vasiliadis , Margie Danchin , Jessica Kaufman

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

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.

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来源期刊

Midwifery 医学-护理

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

7.40%

发文量

221

审稿时长

13.4 weeks

期刊介绍： Midwifery publishes the latest peer reviewed international research to inform the safety, quality, outcomes and experiences of pregnancy, birth and maternity care for childbearing women, their babies and families. The journal’s publications support midwives and maternity care providers to explore and develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes informed by best available evidence. Midwifery provides an international, interdisciplinary forum for the publication, dissemination and discussion of advances in evidence, controversies and current research, and promotes continuing education through publication of systematic and other scholarly reviews and updates. Midwifery articles cover the cultural, clinical, psycho-social, sociological, epidemiological, education, managerial, workforce, organizational and technological areas of practice in preconception, maternal and infant care. The journal welcomes the highest quality scholarly research that employs rigorous methodology. Midwifery is a leading international journal in midwifery and maternal health with a current impact factor of 1.861 (© Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports 2016) and employs a double-blind peer review process.