Public Health Update on Vaccination During Pregnancy
New studies and CDC recommendations underscore the importance of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Please ensure everyone in your practice who interacts with patients has the latest information, so that they can encourage vaccination.
Here are the key facts to know:
- Individuals who get COVID-19 while pregnant are at increased risk of severe illness. The vaccine offers protection.
- Vaccination also helps avoid pregnancy complications. People who get COVID-19 while pregnant are at increased risk of preterm birth.
- The vaccination is recommended for women who are trying to get pregnant. There is no evidence it affects fertility.
- COVID-19 vaccine is safe for the developing baby. Indeed, recent academic research strongly suggests that people vaccinated while pregnant pass on protective antibodies to their babies.
Survey data indicates that your patients want to hear from you about COVID-19 vaccination, valuing the opinion of their own doctor over that of other trusted messengers, including faith leaders, government officials, and celebrities. A doctor or staff member who misses the opportunity to encourage vaccination can inadvertently discourage or delay patient vaccination. One possible message you might suggest to your staff could be: “Vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are important for people who are pregnant or trying, and please talk to your OB-GYN for the specifics.”
Thank you for helping us address your patients' questions and concerns about the vaccines. We share your goal of protecting their health. Whether or not you usually counsel patients about vaccines in your practice, these days we are all vaccine ambassadors.
