Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine
By Anna Gunther
Published September 15, 2021
Pregnant women may be at an increased risk for developing more severe cases of COVID-19, and if they contract the illness, they could face complications such as pre-term birth. You may be wondering if it’s safe to get the vaccine.
Is the vaccine safe for pregnancy?
The available data shows that the COVID vaccine is safe. The CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine all recommend pregnant and lactating people get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to protect against infection. A booster dose is also recommended for pregnant patients and anyone who was recently pregnant.
“As more data emerges, it has become clear the vaccine is safe and effective for our pregnant patients. We recommend everyone who is eligible, including pregnant patients, to get vaccinated, especially as new variants spread in our communities,” said Christian Pettker, MD, chief of obstetrics at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Ob/Gyn Romelle Maloney, MD, of Northeast Medical Group, said when patients are considering the vaccine, it’s important for them to understand that they’re at an increased risk for developing more severe cases of COVID-19, which could include needing ICU care.
“Follow the science. We know that this virus causes severe disease in pregnant women. Three times as much as people who are not pregnant,” Dr. Maloney said.
In addition, data suggests the vaccine may also be beneficial for the baby. A study in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology studied pregnant and lactating women. Antibodies were discovered in umbilical cord blood and breast milk, which indicates the vaccine may offer protection to both the mother and baby.
Is the vaccine safe if I want to become pregnant?
The COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for patients who plan to become pregnant in the future. As with any new scientific breakthrough, the vaccine is the target of misinformation. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding it is important that you speak with your doctor who can provide you with the latest information surrounding the vaccine in order to avoid misinformation.
Safety data reported to the FDA for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines show the same numbers of people got pregnant in the vaccine group as the placebo group during clinical trials. Among the people who got pregnant in both studies, there were only a few adverse pregnancy outcomes, and those participants were in the placebo group and did not receive the actual vaccine.
“Some may be worried the vaccine could impact fertility, especially for those women who are trying to get pregnant right now. But the research shows that the vaccine did not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes for those involved in the trial and there is no scientific basis for such rumors,” Dr. Pettker said.
COVID-19 safety for pregnant patients
If you are pregnant and get the vaccine, you should still continue to follow infection prevention protocols. According to the CDC, pregnant patients can help reduce their risk of exposure by limiting their interactions with people who might have been exposed to COVID-19 and wearing a mask in crowded spaces. In addition, pregnant patients should get vaccinated against the flu and stay up to date with all necessary healthcare appointments.
FAQ: Vaccine Reactions
What are some common vaccine reactions?
Any vaccine can cause side effects. The most common are minor injection site reactions, such as pain and swelling at the site of injection. Less common are all other side effects, including systemic symptoms (such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches), and rare side effects such as Guillain Barre syndrome.
How do you treat a reaction to a vaccine?
Generally, treatment is supportive. So if there are muscle aches and injection site pain for example, Tylenol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms.
What does an allergic reaction look like?
As with any medication or vaccine, there is always a small risk of an allergic reaction. These can range from mild (an itchy rash at the injection site) to severe (anaphylaxis). When allergic reactions occur, they usually happen within minutes of the vaccine. The most severe is anaphylaxis which can include a full body rash with hives, and throat swelling with difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.
What should you do if you suspect an adverse vaccine reaction?
Most of the time these are mild, brief, and self-limited that will go away on their own with time. If a symptom is lasting longer than 72 hours then it should be evaluated by a medical provider. If there is concern for an immediate allergic reaction, most clinics will be trained in how to respond to this but it may require medication or medical evaluation.
Are there any vaccines that should not be given together?
Most vaccines can be given together. Vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV for example, can all be given at the same visit. Sometimes if there is a new vaccine, or a vaccine where someone is unsure if they will have a reaction, that vaccine can be given separately to more accurately monitor the side effects and know which vaccine caused it.
What are some common misconceptions about vaccine reactions?
Any vaccine can cause side effects, but in general these are mild and self-limited.
It is important to remember what is being prevented. A mild vaccine side effect is in almost all cases better than getting the actual disease it is trying to prevent. The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk in almost all circumstances, but if there is concern then it is important to discuss with your doctor.
Not everyone can get every vaccine. Some vaccines are live, weakened viruses so they cannot be given to people with low immune systems or those who are pregnant. The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine is a good example of this.
