COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment

Abstract

Although periconception vaccination is important to maternal and neonatal health, little is known about the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among infertile couples seeking fertility treatment. Thus, we conducted this survey among infertile patients in a reproductive medicine center, between September 2021 and December 2021, to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its influencing factors. Information was collected through face-to-face interviews among volunteers. Among the 987 included interviewees, 17.33% reported hesitancy in primary vaccination, 25.63% reported hesitancy in booster vaccination, and 32.32% delayed the primary vaccination. Hesitancy in primary vaccination was associated with unexplained infertility (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.05-2.98), ongoing IVF treatment (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.22-3.89), concerns for vaccine safety (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.66-6.42), effectiveness (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.15-2.28), and influence on pregnancy (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.68-4.67). These factors were also associated with hesitancy in booster vaccination. Delay of the primary vaccination was inversely associated with a college or above degree (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.87), previous history of influenza vaccination (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.98), and was positively associated with concerns for the influence on pregnancy (OR: 7.78, 95% CI: 5.01-12.07). It is necessary to carry out targeted education program by health professionals to publicize the benefits of periconception vaccination, and to reduce the resistance to COVID-19 vaccine among infertile couples.

Vaccine Hesitancy Phenomenon Evolution during Pregnancy over High-Risk Epidemiological Periods—“Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum”

“…Existing data support the idea that, after successful IVF, couples experienced more psychological problems during pregnancy [ 44 ], especially anxiety and stress, caused mainly by concern for the well-being of the unborn child. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic identified IVF as being positively associated with vaccine hesitancy [ 45 ].…”

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines on Sperm Quality: Systematic Review

“…As of January 2023, >13 billion doses of the vaccine had been administered worldwide, with an excellent safety and efficacy profile. However, as reproductive toxicity has not been evaluated in clinical trials, one reason for vaccine hesitancy is its potential negative effects on fertility [33].…”

Fear of fertility side effects is a major cause for COVID-19 vaccine hesitance in infertile patients

“…Most of the studies published to date shed light on the attitude of pregnant or breastfeeding patients ( 7–10 ) and little is known about the vaccination status, attitudes and concerns among patients planning to conceive, e.g., those undergoing fertility treatment. Previous studies reported hesitant attitudes of infertile couples toward vaccination ( 12 ) but did not illuminate in detail the reasons to decide against vaccination. However, since pregnancy itself is a risk factor for a severe course of COVID-19 ( 6 ), women already intending to become pregnant should also be persuaded to be vaccinated.…”