As more Americans continue to get vaccinated against COVID-19, we’ve seen a steady decline in the rate of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. And although many pregnant and breastfeeding women have received the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still some who are unsure about how the vaccination may affect their health and the health of their children. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding and have not yet been vaccinated, AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) wants to assure you that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and that you should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women get vaccinated against COVID-19 with any of the vaccines currently available in the U.S. According to the CDC, their data “did not identify any safety concerns for pregnant people who were vaccinated or for their babies.”1 Additionally, ACOG recommends offering the COVID-19 vaccine to “lactating individuals similar to non-lactating individuals.”2
Although it is common to experience mild side effects after being immunized, these side effects are temporary, manageable, and far less harmful than COVID-19 itself. At ACPNY, we understand that getting vaccinated during pregnancy is a personal choice that must be made with the appropriate information at hand. If you have questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider or OB-GYN.