If you’re a pregnant woman, the decision to get vaccinated before, during or after pregnancy is now an important one, as the rollout continues across the United States. The resource tool attached presents valuable scientific information to help any pregnant woman make this decision. One particular excerpt is of particular relevance: “What do the experts say?”
Because COVID is dangerous and easily spread, the CDC says that the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are recommended for adults. However, because there are no studies of pregnant people yet, there are no clear recommendations for pregnant people. This is standard for a new drug and is not due to any particular concern with this vaccine.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine strongly recommends that pregnant individuals have access to COVID vaccines. They recommend that each person talk to their doctor or midwife about their own personal choice. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the COVID vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant individuals.
In general, vaccines have been proven to be an effective form of disease prevention. The decision-making process in this situation requires the woman and her provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits of getting a vaccine to the risk of COVID infection.The decision-making process in this situation requires the woman and her provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits of getting a vaccine to the risk of COVID infection. It is important women with high-risk pregnancy discuss this decision with their trusted healthcare provider. It is our hope at Valley Perinatal that this decision tool will help our patients make an informed one regarding a specific prevention strategy that is best for her and her baby.