MIDWIVES AND DOCTORS' ROLE IN MATERNITY VACCINATION PROGRAMS: CRITICAL LEARNINGS FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ABSTRACT

Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 is a key global public health strategy. Health professionals including midwives and doctors support and influence vaccination uptake by childbearing women. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination from consumers and providers of maternity care in Australia. Methods: A national cross-sectional online study conducted in May 2021 in Australia. Recruitment was undertaken through parenting and health professional social media sites and professional college distribution lists. A total of 853 completed responses were received, from women of childbearing age (n = 326), doctors (n = 58), midwives (n = 391) and midwifery students (n = 78). Results: Early on in the 2021 national COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, personal intention to be vaccinated ranged from 48-89%, with doctors most likely and women least likely. Doctors and midwifery students were significantly more likely to recommend the vaccine to pregnant women in their care than midwives (p < 0.001). More than half of the midwives (53%) had concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine for the women in their care compared with 35% of doctors and 46% of midwifery students. Conclusion: This is the first study to explore the perceptions and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination from both the perspective of those who receive and those who provide maternity care in Australia. Findings have utility to support targeted public health messaging for these and other cohorts. Critical discussion will reveal contemporary insights from the evidence to enhance the important public health role of midwives and doctors in national maternity vaccination programs.