VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE
of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association
View Full List of Vaccine Questions Here
COVID-19 Vaccine Question #4:
Should pregnant people get the vaccine?
The vaccine helps protect against serious outcomes for a pregnant person and their baby if they get the illness.
Vaccination is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, with health benefits for both the pregnant person and their baby. Several vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy, including COVID-19 vaccines. Getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster dose, during any stage of pregnancy is safe and effective[BH1] . COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps protect against serious outcomes for the person who is pregnant and their baby. Vaccinated people can also pass antibodies to their baby through the placenta and through breastmilk.
People who are pregnant are at higher risk of experiencing severe outcomes from COVID-19, including:
severe illness
hospitalization
admission to an intensive care unit
invasive mechanical ventilation
Getting COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, including:
premature birth
low birth weight
increased risks to develop congenital birth defects
infant admission to a neonatal intensive care unit
Evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps to prevent:
COVID-19 infection
the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 in infants under 6 months of age
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are:
planning a pregnancy
at any stage of pregnancy
breastfeeding