# Trust in healthcare providers, information sources, and concerns for new maternal vaccines among pregnant and lactating women in Kenya

## TL;DR

This study explores how pregnant and lactating women in Kenya decide whether to receive new maternal vaccines, finding that trust in healthcare providers is crucial.

## Contribution

The study identifies healthcare providers as the most trusted source for new maternal vaccine information and highlights concerns about side effects and ingredients.

## Key findings

- Healthcare providers are the most trusted source of information about new maternal vaccines.
- Women's vaccine intentions are strongly influenced by healthcare provider recommendations.
- Side effects and vaccine ingredients are the main concerns among pregnant and lactating women.

## Abstract

New maternal vaccines have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality for infants from common illnesses that pose the greatest risk in the earliest phase of their life. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections among infants under six months of age. With the recent approval of a maternal vaccine for RSV, this study aimed to understand decision-making factors among pregnant and lactating women for receiving a newly licensed vaccine during pregnancy. Pregnant and lactating women from two counties in Kenya, Nakuru and Mombasa, were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey in July-September 2022. The survey explored topics of trust in various types of sources for information about new maternal vaccines, the importance of a healthcare provider’s recommendation of a new maternal vaccine, and concerns about new maternal vaccines. We surveyed 400 pregnant and lactating women. In both counties, information about the new vaccine was most trusted when coming from healthcare providers, and least trusted when coming from social media. Women’s intention to receive a new maternal vaccine was heavily influenced by a positive recommendation from a healthcare provider. The greatest concerns about a new vaccine were side effects and the vaccine’s ingredients. The information and recommendation from a healthcare provider are important influences on decision-making for new maternal vaccines. As a new maternal immunization for RSV becomes more available, healthcare providers should be engaged early to reduce vaccine hesitancy amongst providers and equip providers with appropriate information tailored to pregnant women about the RSV maternal vaccine.