Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccinations During Pregnancy

On Friday, July 30, The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published updated recommendations that strongly encourage pregnant people to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The previous recommendation urged pregnant patients to discuss vaccination with their physician. The update advises that pregnant, postpartum, and lactating people and those considering pregnancy receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The recommendation cites evidence demonstrating the safe use of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy from tens of thousands of reporting individuals over the last several months, as well as the current low vaccination rates among pregnant individuals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 22 percent of pregnant individuals have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for women during all stages of pregnancy,” said Adib Khouzami, MD, FACOG, Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician, Conemaugh Health System. “Women who are considering pregnancy and women who are pregnant should get the vaccine. It is our best line of defense against complications from the virus.”

For additional information, please visit SMFM.org and ACOG.org.Updated Guidance on COVID-19

Vaccinations During Pregnancy