Pregnant Women Have Vaccination Concerns

A recent report from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania indicates women of childbearing age doubt the safety and effectiveness of vaccination against annual influenza viruses and COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Published on April 10, 2023, the Spring Report found middle-aged women are not sure if the two U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines are safe during pregnancy.

And among women 50 and older, 39% are unsure if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy.

While 51% of the women surveyed are unsure if the annual flu shot is safe for pregnant women.

However, 49% of these women indicated they had received a flu shot this season, compared to 47% in January 2022.

As of March 4, 2023, about 173 million influenza vaccines had been distributed in the U.S. during the 2022-2023 flu season.

"Because the COVID and flu vaccines help protect both those who are pregnant and their infants, dispatching misconceptions about them should be a public health priority," wrote Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

"That women of childbearing age are showing doubt in the safety of current, authorized vaccines is worrisome."

This Annenberg survey also confirmed large majorities remain somewhat or very confident that the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (74%) and the FDA (71%) provide the public with trustworthy information about means of preventing and treating COVID-19.

As of April 12, 2023, the CDC recommends annual flu shots and a COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women.

Previously, the CDC posted updated answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Additionally, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet on April 19, 2023, to discuss COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the Spring and Summer of 2023.