Why Pregnant Women Skip the Flu Shot
Pregnant women face higher risks from influenza, including severe outcomes like hospitalization. Yet, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only about half of pregnant women got the flu shot. This gap highlights a need to understand their choices better.
Why Do Pregnant Women Skip the Flu Shot?
A study looked into why pregnant women decide to get or skip the flu vaccine. They used a theory that says people's actions are shaped by:
- Their attitudes
- The influence of others
- How easy they think it is to get vaccinated
The study surveyed over 350 pregnant or recently pregnant women online.
Key Findings
Attitudes Matter Most
- Women who view the vaccine positively are more likely to get it.
Social Influence Plays a Role
- Encouragement from friends, family, or doctors increases the likelihood of vaccination.
Direct Impact on Behavior
- Attitudes and social influences directly affect whether women get vaccinated, not just their intentions.
The Path Forward
Despite the risks, many pregnant women still skip the flu shot. The study suggests that improving attitudes toward the vaccine could be key to boosting vaccination rates. Efforts to educate and influence social norms might help protect more pregnant women from flu complications.