Pregnancy and Covid-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy and Covid-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy is not a contraindication to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It is advised to get the vaccine after the 1st trimester of pregnancy. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems. However, data are limited about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant. While there are currently no known risks of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, scientists are in the process of gathering additional data to learn more.
Currently, all Canadian provinces and territories offer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible pregnant individuals. COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who choose to receive the vaccine. It is important to know that no study to date has specifically evaluated the coronavirus vaccine in pregnant and lactating women, though there have been a few pregnant women who were inadvertently enrolled in the vaccine trials.
We strongly recommend that women talk with their doctor to discuss all factors about the vaccine and their pregnancy. Many pregnant women have medical conditions that put them at further increased risk. Another factor to consider is the level of activity of the pandemic in your community. Thus, there are not any known safety concerns, but more data will be available in the weeks and months ahead from additional studies.
I am breastfeeding, Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Based upon available data, it appears safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are nursing a baby. The vaccines do not contain live viruses, so being vaccinated does not pose a risk to the baby. Although the vaccines have not been studied in nursing mothers, lactating women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine. You should not stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are vaccinated for the coronavirus, there is no need to delay or discontinue breastfeeding.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility?
Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect your fertility. Women actively trying to conceive may be vaccinated with the current COVID-19 vaccines. There is no reason to delay pregnancy after completing the vaccine series.
Can I still catch COVID-19 after getting the coronavirus vaccine?
Yes, you can still get COVID after being vaccinated, but you’re unlikely to get as sick. COVID-19 vaccines are effective. However, a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus that causes it. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases.” The good news is the vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19, even from the more virulent Delta strain.
Therefore, getting vaccinated for the coronavirus is an important consideration for pregnant women. Lactating women are not considered at higher risk of developing severe illness compared with the non-pregnant population.
Be sure to talk to your obstetrician about care considerations that are specific to you.
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