There is a lack of understanding about the benefits and risks of maternal immunisation among pregnant Māori and Pacific women, according to a study conducted in Dunedin and Gisborne. Māori and Pacific women from those areas were purposively sampled and interviewed between May and August 2021. A semi-structured interview guide was used, focusing on knowledge of pertussis and influenza vaccination during pregnancy and decision-making. Not all women had knowledge of maternal vaccine recommendations or the diseases they protected against. Many women did not realise how dangerous influenza and pertussis could be, and some were more concerned about potential harms of the vaccine. Women who decided to vaccinate felt well-informed, had vaccination recommended by their healthcare provider, and vaccinated to protect their own health and that of their infant. Reasons for deciding against vaccination included vaccine safety, lack of information, not being offered the vaccine, and not considering vaccination a priority.
