Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant or possibly pregnant women?
The CDC has provided the following guidance for pregnant women:
● There is no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women.
● If a woman is part of a group (e.g., health care personnel, education) who is recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and is pregnant,
she may choose to be vaccinated. A discussion with her health care provider can help her make an informed decision.
● Considerations for vaccination:
○ Level of COVID-19 community transmission (risk of acquisition)
○ Her personal risk of contracting COVID-19 (by occupation or other activities)
○ The risks of COVID-19 to her and potential risks to the fetus
○ The efficacy of the vaccine
○ The known side effects of the vaccine
○ The lack of data about the vaccine during pregnancy
● Pregnant women who experience fever following vaccination should be counseled to take acetaminophen as fever has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
● Routine testing for pregnancy prior to receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for breastfeeding/lactating women?
The CDC has provided the following guidance for breastfeeding/lactating women:
● There are no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women or the effects of mRNA vaccines on the breastfed infant or milk production/excretion.
● mRNA vaccines are not considered live virus vaccines and are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant.
● If a lactating woman is part of a group (e.g., health care personnel, education) who is recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, she may choose to be vaccinated.
