Table 4 Negative influences on decision to vaccinate

Previously held beliefs and practices

(n = 9)

Some did not get vaccinated because of concerns around the safety of the vaccine for them or their unborn baby.

“I don’t want to get anything while I am pregnant. Anything at all, because it may have effects. That’s what I am scared of.” [P9]

“I’m sure that there’s a lot of, it’s just a worry that if I do take this like what could potentially go wrong with it.” [P14]

Some did not trust the advice on vaccination from their healthcare provider.

“I’d trust what they’re saying, but I still like to go and do some research because I’m not interested in vaccinating… we could all just go ‘oh yes’ and you know do everything like a robot sort of thing but then there’s also choices… Health professionals are just doing what the government says and how the Ministry of Health are doing things whereas, like, if you wanted to find alternatives and other things like that, you’d have to go and find it yourself.” [P12]

“Not really [trust healthcare provider advice about vaccination]… just my beliefs… women have die[d] following vaccination.” [P6]

Some decided to not vaccinate because of perceived low likelihood of catching the disease.

“It wasn’t [a consideration] at the time, just because I don’t normally get the flu.” [P15]

“Not concerned because none of my kids have ever had it.” [P10]

Some did not think vaccination was necessary because they do not usually get vaccinated or had not been vaccinated for previous pregnancies

“I chose not to get the flu vaccine while I was pregnant and that was just because I’ve never gotten the flu vaccine before so I kind of just figured, just to keep going as normal.” [P15]

“I didn’t have it with my first one, so I don’t know why I had to have it with my second one.” [P8]

Need more effective discussions

(n = 11)

Many participants felt they were not given enough information to decide to vaccinate. Some were not offered the vaccine, and some were unaware of vaccine recommendations.

“Just that lack of understanding, what actually is that… It’s just that lack of [information], because all that you are given is that brochure, yes, I’ll read it but I’m the type that would like to know more… It’s not just what’s on the brochure, I need to know more.” [P2]

“I didn’t have the whooping cough [vaccine]. That’s because it wasn’t offered to me.” [P8]

Some described having doubts after discussing vaccination with family and friends.

“I didn’t want to get it because I have heard that if you get it, it actually brings it [influenza] on.” [P9]

“Other people have their doubts and then they start putting stuff in your head and you’re like, “should I trust this?”.” [P11]

Not prioritised

(n = 3)

Some were aware of recommendations, but vaccination was not a priority during their pregnancy.

“I just made excuses because I forgot or didn’t just have time. But it was never a priority for me to make that decision.” [P2]

“I just haven’t got round to it, because I only just finished work two weeks ago.” [P5]