If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and wondering if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for you and your baby, the good news is that it is. According to scientific data, pregnancy increases the risk of severe COVID-19 infection and complications, including poor pregnancy outcome, admission to an intensive care unit, or death. Because of this, the benefits of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh any known or potential risks. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect you and your pregnancy from these serious outcomes.
The protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine also reduces the severity of the disease and decreases the degree of illness that both mother and baby can get from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for your baby while you are breast-feeding. According to the CDC, vaccination during pregnancy generates antibodies that can help protect the baby. Whether you receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding, it passes protective antibodies to your baby.
The American Academy of Family Physicians joined other medical professional associations in recommending COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people.
According to their statement, “As leading organizations representing maternity care experts…we strongly urge all pregnant people (along with those recently pregnant, those planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding women, and other eligible people) to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
