Knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns of pregnant and lactating women regarding COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional survey of 313 participants from a tertiary care centre of North India

AIM: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns of pregnant and lactating women regarding COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and concerns about COVID 19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women. RESULTS: Most (90%) of the study participants(n =313) agreed that it was essential to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and were aware that pregnant (72.2%) or lactating women (65.2%) are eligible for vaccination. There was a significant positive association between willingness to pay for the vaccine and the socio-economic status (p<0.01). Women residing in rural areas wanted to wait to see the effect of the vaccine on other pregnant and lactating women (p<0.001). The major factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were unforeseen future effects of vaccines on the foetus (58.6%) and rapid development and approval of vaccine without including pregnant and lactating women in vaccine trials (53.6%). These factors were positively associated with socioeconomic status (p<0.05) and residence (p<0.01) CONCLUSION: The safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is a major reason for vaccine hesitancy. The policymakers should advocate, investigate, and publicize relevant data on vaccine efficacy and safety among these women.