David Eggert, DO; Amy Pan, PhD; Cassandre R. Krier; Kate Schoyer, MD; Kristina Kaljo, PhD; Stephanie Gunderson, MD
WMJ. 2024;123(6):528-532.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: We sought to elucidate infertile patient perceptions regarding the novel COVID-19 vaccine as it pertained to fertility treatments and future pregnancies.
Methods: Patients visiting the Froedtert North Hills Health Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin from July 1, 2020, through June 6, 2021, were invited to participate in a mixed methods survey assessing infertile patient perceptions regarding clinic closures, delays in treatment, and the COVID-19 vaccine. The main outcomes measured were readiness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the setting of trying to conceive.
Results: There were 760 surveys sent with a total of 192 completed surveys (response rate = 25.3%). Respondents who reported having a college or post graduate education were more likely to consider the COVID-19 vaccine when it became available to them (P < 0.001). When participants’ responses were stratified by the number of previous completed fertility treatments (either embryo transfers or intrauterine inseminations), there was a statistically significant trend of increasing willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as the number of completed fertility treatments increased even when considering a pregnancy or while breastfeeding (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). Qualitative themes included participants’ fear of the unknown due to existing perceptions, beliefs, and mistrust; interpretations of medical knowledge, and desire for provider guidance and mindful communication.
Conclusions: This study suggests that despite identified hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccine, patients with higher levels of education and those who completed an increasing number of infertility treatments were more willing to consider the COVID-19 vaccine.