Exploring Maternal Vaccine Hesitancy: A Qualitative Study of Mothers’ Beliefs

Abstract

Maternal vaccine hesitancy—defined as delayed acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability—remains a complex, context dependent challenge that can undermine the protection of mothers, newborns, and communities. In low‑ and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, the legacy of infectious disease outbreaks, gaps in service quality, and structural barriers intersect with social norms and risk perceptions to shape maternal decision-making. Within this broader landscape, mothers often carry the emotional and moral burden of “getting it right” for the fetus and infant, making their beliefs, fears, and information ecologies critical to understand in depth. Vaccine decisions during pregnancy and early postpartum involve a distinctive calculus: mothers weigh uncertain risks to themselves and the baby against perceived benefits, under conditions of imperfect information and strong social influence. Our aim of the study was to explore the hesisitancy and beliefs of mothers about vaccine in rural areas. We conducted interviews of 12 mothers from a rural area , two interviews were not completed so we did not put that in the data saturation. Qualitative approach was used for this study. • smmery shows that Hesitancy is dynamic and relational, not a fixed refusal, a Safety for fetus/newborn, trust in messengers, and service experience drive decisions., Access frictions (queues, stock‑outs) are read as safety signals; convenience builds confidence, Two‑way, respectful counseling with clear after‑care guidance normalizes mild side‑effects and Engaging husbands/elders and trusted religious/community figures legitimizes acceptance.