COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy: Should I get the vaccine?
March 29, 2022
Photo: Getty Images
Updated March 29, 2022, to include a link to new research on the dangers of COVID-19 on pregnant people and their newborns. Please note that this content is accurate as of the update date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that anyone who’s pregnant should get the COVID-19 vaccine. VCU Health agrees with this recommendation.
Vaccination is particularly important because of new research showing that COVID-19 is very dangerous to pregnant people and their newborns.
In this Q/A, our OB/GYN experts answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I’m trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?
Yes. If you’re trying to get pregnant, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, get both — even if you become pregnant after your first dose. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility.
I’m already pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?
Yes. If you are pregnant, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. Being pregnant increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This can be dangerous for both mom and baby. COVID-19 vaccines prevent COVID-19 infection, severe illness and death. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause miscarriages.
The full statement from ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is available online.
I’m breastfeeding. Should I get the vaccine?
Yes. If you’re breastfeeding, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies your body makes can be passed through your breast milk and help protect your child from the virus. Please visit Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU for more information on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine when breastfeeding.
Are these vaccines safe?
Yes. A growing amount of data confirms that to best protect you and your baby, you should be vaccinated against COVID-19.
In this video, Dr. Kate Donowitz explains why she decided to get vaccinated when she was pregnant.
At VCU Health, we’ve built a culture of collaboration and empowerment with pregnant individuals about their birth choices. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with your OB-GYN, midwife or nurse practitioner.
How do I schedule my vaccination?
Please call our vaccination scheduling line at (804) 628-0223, Wednesday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only existing patients can make an appointment. If you aren’t a patient but you do live in Virginia, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA to sign up for vaccination.
For more information
For more information, go to vcumom.com. To schedule an OB/GYN appointment, call (804) 828-4409.
For a variety of news and information on COVID-19 and how VCU Health is keeping patients safe, please visit our COVID-19 News Center.
