What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines
Health information can be overwhelming when you first become pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant. On top of dietary restrictions, medication considerations, and overall health management, these days there is the added question about how to protect yourself and your baby against COVID-19.
Luckily, the evidence is clear that COVID vaccines provide the best protection against the worst outcomes of the disease. If you are pregnant, considering getting pregnant, or breastfeeding – here’s what you should know:
COVID vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant people and those who are breastfeeding.
As with anyone over the age of six months, it is recommended that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant or might become pregnant in the future – all get a COVID vaccine. Doing so reduces the risk of severe illness and other health effects from the virus for people. Also, there is no evidence that any vaccine, including the COVID vaccine, causes fertility problems.
A free COVID vaccine can help protect you and your baby.
If you have COVID while pregnant, you are at increased risk of complications that can affect you pregnancy and your developing baby. Yet, getting a free COVID vaccine during pregnancy helps protect you from serious illness and can protect your baby as well. In fact, studies show that babies whose mothers were vaccinated against COVID during pregnancy were less likely to get COVID in their first six months of life.
It’s important to reduce your risk of catching COVID when pregnant.
Although the overall risks are low – if you are pregnant or were recently pregnant, you are more likely to get sick from COVID. Fortunately, the vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. Simple steps like limiting your in-person interactions, wearing a well-fitted mask and washing your hands with soap and water are helpful with preventing the disease from spreading.
Attend your health care appointments during and after pregnancy.
It is important to visit your health care provider for all your recommended appointments while pregnant. Going to these appointments help maintain you and your baby’s overall wellness so your health care provider can answer your questions, provide guidance and support you in receiving all recommended vaccines – including your COVID vaccine.
To learn more or to find a vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.
