Unvaccinated Pregnant Women at Higher Risk: Study Highlights Confusion and Ethnic Disparities
A recent report from researchers at Oxford University’s MBRRACE team has shed light on the risks faced by unvaccinated pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study, out of the 45 women who died from COVID-19 between 2019 and 2021, 27 were unvaccinated. Additionally, two women died after contracting the flu, despite not being vaccinated.
The report, published on Thursday, revealed that these women either declined the COVID-19 vaccine or there was no evidence of them receiving one, despite being eligible and having discussions about it. The researchers identified confused messaging around the vaccine as a possible factor contributing to these deaths. They also warned that without further efforts to educate women, more deaths could occur.
The researchers stated, The confused messaging due to lack of research evidence and consequent widespread vaccine hesitancy amongst clinicians and pregnant and postpartum women, notably amongst those from disadvantaged backgrounds and ethnic minority groups, has been well documented. These women’s deaths are evidence of the consequences. It is not clear, however, that plans are in place to prevent similar issues occurring in the future.
According to the figures, a majority of the women who died from COVID-19 during 2020 and 2021 belonged to ethnic minority groups. This reflects the ongoing trend of high death rates among women from Black and Asian ethnic backgrounds compared to white women.
Although the COVID-19 vaccine was initially not recommended for pregnant women when it was first rolled out in December 2020, the advice changed in April 2021, urging expectant mothers to get vaccinated. However, the report highlighted cases where vaccination discussions were delayed or omitted altogether.
In one case, an older woman from an ethnic minority background was admitted to the hospital during her third trimester of pregnancy, four months after becoming eligible for vaccination. She received an emergency caesarean but tragically passed away a few weeks later. Her records showed she had received a flu vaccine, but there was no mention of discussing COVID-19 vaccines.
In another case, a woman with a known respiratory disease died despite being eligible for vaccination early on. Although she was advised to contact her general practitioner, vaccination was not discussed until five months later. She subsequently contracted COVID-19 and died shortly thereafter.
The report also highlighted a case of an extremely high-risk pregnant woman who was unsure about receiving the vaccine after being advised about it. Three months later, she passed away from COVID pneumonitis.
Earlier this year, concerns were raised by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health regarding the government’s delay in rolling out a newly approved respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine ahead of winter.
The researchers emphasized the importance of making recommended vaccines easily accessible in or near antenatal clinics and promoting the safety and benefits of vaccination during pregnancy. They noted, Vaccination has a major role in preventing maternal and neonatal illness and is an integral part of good antenatal care, as stated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.
In conclusion, the study highlights the higher risks faced by unvaccinated pregnant women and the role of confused messaging and disparities among ethnic groups. Efforts to educate women and improve access to vaccines are crucial in preventing further tragic outcomes.
