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CDC Urges Vaccination to Protect Maternal and Child Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, emphasizing that vaccination benefits both mothers and their babies.

 Increased Risks for Pregnant Women

Pregnant people face an elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization, intensive care, and even death. CDC says vaccination remains the best protection against these risks.

 Safety and Efficacy of Vaccination

Large studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide indicate that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective.

  • The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot cause COVID-19 in pregnant people or their babies.
  • The mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) do not show an increased risk of complications such as miscarriage or birth defects.
  • Vaccination can reduce the risk of serious illness and may help prevent stillbirths and premature births.
  • Immunization during pregnancy generates antibodies that can help protect babies against COVID-19.

 Guidance for Breastfeeding People

CDC encourages breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Current data show that there are no severe reactions in breastfeeding people or infants after immunization. Importantly, vaccinated breastfeeding people have antibodies in their breast milk, which may provide increased protection to their infants.

Recommendations for Future Parents  

CDC advises people who are trying to conceive or who might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners, to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Research has not found any association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility problems in women or men.

 Possible Side Effects

Pregnant people report side effects from mRNA vaccines that are consistent with those experienced by non-pregnant people. Fever during pregnancy, regardless of cause, has been linked to adverse outcomes but can be managed with acetaminophen under the guidance of a health care provider.

As research continues to affirm the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and lactating women, CDC remains committed to ensuring that families are protected from the impacts of COVID-19.

Source: Covid-19 Vaccination for People who are pregnant or breastfeeding

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