Perception and Willingness towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant Females in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To identify perceptions, concerns and barriers affecting willingness for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant females. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 356 pragnent women from Gynae outdoor department of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from August 2021 to January 2022. It was a cross sectional study conducted on 365 pregnant women from gynae outdoor department of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. After informed consent, data were collected with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire; entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi Square was applied as a test of significance where p value is 0.05 Results: Among 365 females, only 58(15.9%) were vaccinated. About 6(10.4%) women received vaccination in the 1st trimester and 26(44.8%) each in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Significant contributors for vaccination were vaccination center location, advice from health care provider, perception about vaccine safety and vaccine protection, supportive family attitude, previous history of COVID-19 infection and suspicious rumors. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy and rejection can be minimized through a multipronged strategy to combat infodemic and to educate the public. Health care providers can play a vital role through their effect communication and counseling.