A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy.
Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They are also at increased risk having the baby too early (called preterm birth) and stillbirth. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging all pregnant folks to get vaccinated and just released a health advisory alert to encourage vaccination for pregnant people.
Here are some sobering stats:
➡As of September 27, 2021, there were more than 125,000 lab confirmed cases reported in US in pregnant persons, more than 22,000 hospitalizations and 161 deaths.
➡August of 2021 reported the highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in pregnant people in a single month since the pandemic started.
➡97% of pregnant folks hospitalized with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.
➡Only 31% of pregnant people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
What’s the bottom line? ⬇️
💥Vaccination is strongly recommended for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant or might get pregnant.
💥Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and death.
💥There is growing evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy. The benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh all known risks.
💥Vaccination during pregnancy helps build antibodies that can help protect the baby once they are born.
Organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians, Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding persons. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding can also talk to their primary care clinician about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC has partnered with MotherToBaby, where anyone can ask experts about pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination. They can be reached at 1-866-626-6847 or can live chat or email.
Links:
CDC COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant
