The systematic exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from emergency vaccine campaigns creates a critical vulnerability during viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, where maternal mortality rates can exceed 90%. Understanding vaccine acceptance in these high-risk populations becomes essential as public health systems prepare for future Ebola outbreaks across sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers surveyed 424 pregnant and lactating women in Kampala following Uganda's 2022 Sudan ebolavirus outbreak, revealing that 59.4% expressed willingness to receive Ebola vaccination. Women who had previously received COVID-19 vaccines showed 32% higher acceptance rates, while those preferring injectable formulations demonstrated 54% greater willingness compared to women open to oral delivery methods. These findings illuminate a complex landscape of maternal vaccine decision-making shaped by recent pandemic experiences and delivery preferences. The moderate acceptance rate represents both progress and challenge - significantly higher than historical hesitancy toward experimental vaccines during pregnancy, yet insufficient for optimal herd immunity. The COVID-19 vaccination correlation suggests that positive vaccine experiences build confidence for future immunizations, even during vulnerable reproductive periods. However, the preference for injectable over oral formulations contradicts assumptions about convenience-driven choices in resource-limited settings. This research provides crucial baseline data as next-generation Ebola vaccines undergo development with potential pregnancy safety profiles. The 40% hesitancy rate underscores the need for targeted communication strategies addressing safety concerns specific to maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly given the devastating consequences of Ebola infection during pregnancy.
Ugandan Mothers Show 59% Ebola Vaccine Acceptance Despite Outbreak Exclusion
📄 Based on research published in Vaccine
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