Keywords
Pregnant women
COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the factors that led to vaccine hesitancy among pregnant Brazilian and Spanish women during the pandemic. Method: A mixed-methods study, part of a broader online research project, conducted with 42 pregnant Brazilian and 40 pregnant Spanish women who answered an online questionnaire. In Brazil, data collection took place between July and August 2022, and in Spain, in March 2023. Quantitative data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, and qualitative information was categorized based on thematic analysis. Results: Vaccine hesitancy among pregnant Brazilian and Spanish women was associated with fear of adverse vaccine effects, concern for the fetus, questioning the origin and rapid development of vaccines, the influence of information accessed via the internet and social media, and differing opinions and controversies among healthcare professionals regarding vaccination. Conclusion: Reducing pregnant women's distrust of vaccination, as well as encouraging them to become increasingly interested in using all available vaccines, contributes to expanding vaccination coverage. Thus, continuous vigilance in health services around the world is necessary to promote safety and guarantee the protection of life.
References
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