Can pregnant women be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Pregnant women can certainly be vaccinated against COVID-19. In fact, in many countries and according to various health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended for pregnant women.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and even death. Vaccination can also protect the baby indirectly. Antibodies generated by the mother after vaccination can be passed to the baby via the placenta, potentially providing some protection after birth.

Studies and data to date have shown that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. There is no evidence that the vaccines are harmful to pregnancy. The benefits of vaccination for both mother and baby outweigh the potential risks of the vaccines, especially given the severity of the illness that can be caused by COVID-19.

It is always important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before being vaccinated to discuss their specific situation and to obtain the most current and relevant information.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024