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COVID-19

Declining Trust in Immunizations: A Study on Pregnant Women's Attitudes Towards Vaccines

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland, have published a new study on the decline of trust in immunizations among pregnant women. Despite robust scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccinations, trust has been declining, particularly in this vulnerable group. The study aimed to investigate women's attitudes towards vaccinations against pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 during pregnancy, as well as their knowledge of the subject and motivations for getting vaccinated.

Key Takeaways:

  • The primary motivation for vaccinating during pregnancy was to protect children from severe cases of pertussis, influenza, or COVID-19, with 96.4% of participants citing this reason.
  • The most common reasons for not getting vaccinated against pertussis and influenza during pregnancy were the belief in the lack of necessity for vaccination (42.9% and 34.3%, respectively) and receiving the vaccine before pregnancy (27.6% for COVID-19).
  • Obstetricians provided information about recommended vaccinations to only 49.3% of respondents.
  • 64.2% of surveyed patients expressed a willingness to vaccinate their child in the future with both mandatory and recommended vaccines.
  • The study highlighted the crucial role of physicians, especially obstetricians, in providing patient information and underlining the undeniable benefits of maternal vaccination to the children's health.
  • The study authors, including Gabriela Mierzwa, Julia Jurga, Justyna Kuciel, Magdalena Kolak, Andrzej Jaworowski, and Hubert Huras, emphasized the need for improved awareness and education about the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy.

Statistics:

  • 96.4% of participants vaccinated during pregnancy were motivated to protect their children from severe cases of pertussis, influenza, or COVID-19.
  • The most common reasons for not getting vaccinated against pertussis and influenza were:

+ Lack of necessity for vaccination (42.9% and 34.3%, respectively).

+ Receiving the vaccine before pregnancy (27.6% for COVID-19).

  • Obstetricians provided information about recommended vaccinations to 49.3% of respondents.
  • 64.2% of surveyed patients expressed a willingness to vaccinate their child in the future with both mandatory and recommended vaccines.
  • The study was financially supported by the National Center for Research and Development CRACoV-HHS project and the initiative "Support for specialist hospitals in fighting the spread of SARS-CoV-2."

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research Conducted at Jagiellonian University Has Updated Our Knowledge about COVID-19 (Pregnant Women's Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Pertussis, Influenza, and Covid-19 Vaccination: a Pilot Study). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. August 24, 2025; p 326.
  • Ginekologia Polska. Pregnant Women's Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Pertussis, Influenza, and Covid-19 Vaccination: a Pilot Study.

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