Exploring the Impact of Pregnancy on Childhood Vaccine Uptake

A recent study has shed light on the vaccination intentions of pregnant women, revealing that a significant proportion experiences uncertainty regarding childhood vaccinations. Conducted by Lavanya Vasudevan, MPH, PhD, at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, the research indicates that 48% of pregnant women surveyed expressed doubts about vaccinating their children after birth. Published in JAMA Network Open on July 16, 2025, this study underscores the potential for targeted interventions during pregnancy to enhance vaccination rates among children.

The study involved responses from 174 pregnant women and a control group of 1,765 parents of young children. The demographic breakdown revealed that 64% of pregnant participants were aged 30 years or older, with 27% identifying as Hispanic, 14.4% as non-Hispanic Black, and 52.9% as non-Hispanic White. Comparatively, the parent group consisted of 78.1% aged 30 or older, 21.7% Hispanic, 11.4% non-Hispanic Black, and 56% non-Hispanic White. Nearly half of the participants in both groups held a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Responses from the women were categorized into six groups: accept all vaccinations, delay some or all, delay some and refuse some, refuse some, refuse all, and undecided. While the intention to accept all recommended pediatric vaccines was similar in both groups, notable disparities emerged in the refusal rates. Only 4% of nulliparous pregnant women intended to refuse some or all vaccinations, in stark contrast to 33% of parents.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, MD, a professor specializing in infectious diseases at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the importance of addressing vaccination uncertainties during pregnancy. He explained that this period represents a crucial opportunity to engage expectant mothers, as they are generally more receptive to health-related discussions. "It’s a time when people are generally more receptive to hearing messages about their own health and the health of their unborn child," he stated.

Chin-Hong noted that while expanding intervention strategies beyond pediatric care may require substantial resources, immediate steps can be taken. He suggested that healthcare providers, including obstetricians and family physicians, should proactively discuss the benefits and safety of childhood vaccines during regular prenatal visits. He pointed out that these conversations are often overlooked, leaving an opportunity for missed guidance.

The urgency for these interventions is underscored by the potential long-term benefits of vaccination, not only for children but also for maternal health, especially as maternal vaccines can cross the placenta. "The need couldn’t be greater," Chin-Hong remarked, highlighting the critical role healthcare providers play in shaping vaccination decisions during this formative period.

Future research will be essential in determining the most effective strategies for implementing such interventions, including identifying which healthcare professionals should lead these discussions and how often they should occur. The authors of the study also noted that future investigations should differentiate between the uptake of seasonal vaccines, such as those for COVID-19 and influenza, compared to routinely recommended pediatric vaccines.

In conclusion, the study underscores the significant gap in vaccination certainty among pregnant women and suggests that targeted educational interventions could play a pivotal role in improving childhood vaccination rates. By engaging healthcare professionals across various specialties, the potential exists to foster a more informed decision-making process for families, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.