Abstract

Objectives: Pregnant people are at increased risk of COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, and vaccination presents an important strategy to prevent negative outcomes. However, pregnant people were not included in vaccine trials, and there is limited data on COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify the safety, immunogenicity, effectiveness, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant people in the U.S. Data Sources: Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) were used to identify eligible studies published from January 01, 2020, through February 06, 2022. Study Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed empirical research conducted in the U.S., published in English, and addressed one of the following topics: safety, immunogenicity, effectiveness, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant people. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: A narrative synthesis approach was used to synthesize findings. Critical appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. Results: Thirty-two studies were identified. The majority of studies (n = 25) reported the use of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant people; only six reported the Janssen vaccine. Of the 32 studies, 11 examined COVID-19 vaccine safety, 10 investigated immunogenicity and effectiveness, and 11 assessed vaccine acceptance among pregnant people. Injection site pain and fatigue were the most common adverse events. One case study reported immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes in comparison to unvaccinated pregnant people. After COVID-19 vaccination, pregnant people elicited a robust immune response, and vaccinations conferred protective immunity to newborns through breast milk and the placental transfer. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low among pregnant people in the U.S. African American race, Hispanic ethnicity, younger age, low education, prior refusal of the influenza vaccine, and lack of provider counseling were associated with low vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Peer-reviewed studies support COVID-19 vaccine safety and protective effects on pregnant people and their newborns. Future studies that use rigorous methodologies and include diverse populations are needed to confirm current findings. In addition, targeted and tailored strategies are needed to improve vaccine acceptance especially among minorities.

  • Americas
  • United States of America
  • Pregnant women
  • Vaccine/vaccination
  • Coverage
  • Acceptance
  • Efficacy/effectiveness
  • Safety
  • COVID-19