Black Country mums-to-be are being asked to support a research project exploring why the uptake up for antenatal vaccinations – specifically pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19, and seasonal flu – has been so low in the area.

Ebony Owusu-Nepaul and Alice Miller, from Gateway Family Services, which facilitates Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships across the Black Country (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton), have partnered with M.E.L research, a social research agency based in Birmingham, to carry out the research project. It has been commissioned by the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Those who have recently been pregnant and mums-to-be are being asked to complete a short anonymous online survey to better understand the service users experience of getting vaccinated during pregnancy and how existing services can be improved.

Alice Miller, Head of Operations for Gateway Family Services, said: “Vaccinations in pregnancy are important for both mum and baby but there is clearly some hesitancy, hence the low take up rates.

“We want to better understand why this is and feedback from mums-to- be is key to us gaining valuable insight.

“We’re hoping their thoughts, fears and experiences will help us identify the barriers to vaccination and gather best practices for how to improve vaccination rates across the Black Country for mums-to-be.

“By completing this survey, you will contribute valuable information that will help shape future health initiatives and ensure better support for expectant mothers in our community.”

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 6 September. To take part, click the following link to complete a short online survey