Factors associated with vaccination intentions and uptake among pregnant women in the UK: A scoping review.

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to identify factors associated with vaccination decisions among pregnant women in the UK, guided by the SAGE matrix on vaccine hesitancy, and explored differences between qualitative and quantitative findings and between vaccine intentions (attitudes) and actual uptake (behaviors). Embase®, MEDLINE®, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched; rapid review methodologies were applied. From 2,326 records, 49 primary studies were included (published 2010-2025). We identified 222 qualitative factors from 32 studies, and 114 quantitative factors from 30 studies. Qualitative studies frequently reported individual and group influences, particularly beliefs and attitudes about vaccine effectiveness and safety, and the role of healthcare professionals in decision-making. Quantitative studies highlighted sociodemographic influences, including older age, ethnicity, and lower social/economic deprivation. Factors found to be associated with vaccination intention vs. uptake were inconsistent, though these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the modest number of studies addressing this issue.