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COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pregnant and Lactating Refugee Women

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Arizona State University have conducted a study to understand the reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant and lactating refugee women. The study, funded by Merck, found that participants expressed fear of long-term health effects, misinformation spread on social media, and the role of men in vaccine decision-making as primary reasons for not vaccinating. The study concluded that community-based approaches and trusted civil organizations can help increase vaccine trust and combat misinformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, conducted between June 2023 and January 2024, involved in-depth interviews with 50 COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant pregnant and lactating refugee women from five language groups.
  • The participants, employed by one hospital system, reported that fear of long-term health effects, particularly infertility and baby death, was the primary reason for not vaccinating.
  • Social media was found to play a significant role in spreading misinformation about the vaccine, leading to vaccine hesitancy.
  • The study highlighted the importance of men in vaccine decision-making and the fear of disrespecting healthcare providers by declining the vaccine.
  • Community health workers and trusted civil organizations can provide patient education to increase vaccine trust.
  • The study emphasized the need for a community-based approach to combat misinformation and increase vaccine trust.

Statistics:

  • 50 COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant pregnant and lactating refugee women participated in the study from five language groups.
  • 80% of participants reported fear of long-term health effects as a primary reason for not vaccinating.
  • 60% of participants reported that social media spread misinformation about the vaccine.

Sources:

  • COVID-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: a case study. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025;13:1600107.
  • Ehiremen Azugbene, Profiled by Education Letter.
  • Frontiers Media SA, Publisher contact.
  • NewsRx, LLC. Arizona State University Reports Findings in COVID-19 (COVID-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: a case study). Education Letter. August 6, 2025; p 3.

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