UTA Study Urges Continued COVID-19 Vaccination Focus, Especially for Pregnant Women

Hui Huang, PhD

As the world marks the fourth anniversary since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a social worker from the University of Texas at Arlington, Hui Huang, underscores the ongoing urgency of prioritizing vaccination efforts, especially among pregnant women, as revealed by research findings published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Through innovative methodologies, including collaboration with the Count the Kicks app to analyze postpartum pregnancy survey data, Huang and her colleagues delved into the beliefs and behaviors surrounding COVID-19 vaccination among expectant mothers. Their comprehensive examination not only gauged willingness but also assessed actual vaccination rates, shedding light on underlying concerns such as safety, trust in the vaccine, and perceived side effects. Notably, the study found no correlation between vaccination status and birth outcomes, reaffirming the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant individuals. However, disparities persisted, with lower vaccination rates observed among African American mothers, possibly attributed to historical distrust within the community towards the medical establishment, indicating the need for targeted interventions to address hesitancy and ensure equitable access to vaccination.