COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING PATIENTS

With the recent FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the soon to be approved Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, we know many of our pregnant and breastfeeding patients will have questions regarding receiving these vaccines. We hope that conversations with a provider and reading the linked materials may provide some helpful information. The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (society of high risk OB docs) and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) have both released statements saying the vaccine should NOT be withheld from pregnant and breastfeeding patients who would otherwise be eligible to receive it. We are in agreement with these organizations. We very much understand the risks of COVID in pregnancy, yet we are sensitive to the fact that pregnant and breastfeeding patients were not included in the initial studies. We want to emphasize that receiving these vaccines is a personal decision, one that should take into account an individual’s risk of acquiring the infection based on underlying health conditions, occupation, and lifestyle factors, in addition to their pregnancy/breastfeeding status. For anyone who would like to discuss, please schedule an appointment with a provider.

RESOURCE LINKS FOR PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING PATIENTS RE: COVID-19 VACCINE

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Statement: SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Pregnancy

ACOG: Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19