Throughout the pandemic, it’s clear that the role of HR has changed. People leaders have had to take point on unprecedented initiatives like the transition to and from remote work, returning to the office, and vaccine policies.
Now that vaccines are clinically proven to be safe for persons over the age of 5, a return to normalcy is closer than ever before. But some are wary of mandates, and questions abound about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, especially among one of the most vulnerable populations in your organization — pregnant people.
Vaccine hesitancy is growing among pregnant people
For HR teams, vaccine hesitancy poses a particularly difficult challenge for a variety of reasons. Not only is it a difficult topic to broach, there’s a lot at stake: you don’t want to judge or alienate any of your employees, nor can you force them into making a decision about their health short of a mandate.
The fact remains that only 26% of pregnant people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared to 66% of adults nationwide. Studies show that pregnant people are at higher risk for serious illness due to COVID-19. This disparity exists despite clear-cut clinical guidance from the CDC, ACOG, and SMFM advising pregnant people that it’s safe and recommended to get the vaccine for the health of themselves and their unborn children. So how can you navigate such a tense discussion? Start with the facts.
A new survey reveals the story
Maven commissioned a survey of 500 U.S.-based pregnant women to understand how they’re making decisions about the vaccine. The results showed clear takeaways that can inform how you approach conversations with your employees:
- 61% of respondents were unaware of the latest CDC guidance for pregnant people
- Nearly 70% of respondents said at least one source suggested they avoid receiving the COVID vaccine.
- 68% of respondents said they don’t plan to receive the vaccine while pregnant.
- 36% of respondents said they don’t plan to ever get the vaccine.
- 28% felt that there was a lack of sufficient information on the effects of the vaccine.
The problem is clear: pregnant people are less likely to get vaccinated than their non-pregnant peers, and much of their hesitancy stems from concerns about the health of their unborn children. They’re being hit with conflicting information and competing opinions from friends, family, and medical professionals. So what does that mean for HR teams?
.jpg)
.svg)
.jpg)
