Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Globally, reports have shown that pregnant women refuse to receive the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. This has posed a significant concern given the
global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
AIM: This study aims to explore the current evidence on the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on
pregnant women.
METHOD: A scoping review was conducted using Levac et al.’s five-stage framework.
Relevant articles were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost
(CINAHL) databases. The identified articles were screened based on predetermined
inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from the selected articles were charted and summarised
into meaningful units.
RESULTS: Twelve articles from developed countries were included in the review. Studies have
reported that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is generally safe and does not increase
the risk of pregnancy complications. There was no significant difference in delivery outcomes
between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Neonatal outcomes were not affected by the
vaccination. However, one study identified a potential risk of spontaneous abortion between
6 and 9 weeks of gestation among vaccinated women.
CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination is considered safe during pregnancy. While
some studies have identified potential associations with certain conditions, the overall benefits
of vaccination outweigh the risks. Continued monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of
COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy is recommended. Pregnant women should consult
healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding vaccination.
CONTRIBUTION: The findings of this review may assist in alleviating anxiety and reducing
vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women.
