Answers to Questions About the Covid Vaccine and Pregnancy
There’s little doubt that over the last two years the issue that has dominated our lives more than any other has been the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, one of the most controversial issues to come up has been the Covid vaccine. Are vaccines safe? Should I take the vaccine? Which vaccine should I get? Can I take the vaccine if this or if that? The questions about the vaccine have been seemingly endless. Bottom line, wherever you stand on the Covid vaccine issue, keeping yourself and your family safe is probably your top priority. That starts with getting your Covid vaccine questions answered to your satisfaction, and one of the most important questions about the Covid vaccine that many of us need answers to is this: Should pregnant women take the Covid vaccine?
Are Pregnant Women Even Allowed to Take the Covid Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data that states that pregnant women are eligible to take the Covid vaccine. The CDC’s data not only states pregnant women are allowed to take the Covid vaccine, but also recommends that they get the vaccine. Still, anyone considering taking the Covid vaccine should talk with a doctor before making their decision.
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Get the Covid Vaccine?
As stated above, the CDC has recommended that people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take the Covid vaccine. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that pregnant women or those who intend to become pregnant get the Covid vaccine, per Johns Hopkins.
The reason the FDA and CDC gave for the recommendation is that statistics have shown that pregnant women who contract Covid-19 are more likely to experience severe symptoms, suffer health complications, and lose their life due to the illness. Stats also show that most pregnant women with Covid-19 who have had to be hospitalized are unvaccinated. In addition, more than 200,000 pregnant women have taken the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines and haven’t experienced any major side effects as a result.
Concerns About The Vaccine
Issues concerning the Covid vaccine and pregnancy that the FDA and CDC covered included the vaccine’s impact on fertility, miscarriage, and the immune systems of pregnant women. Both organizations confirm that the vaccine will not cause infertility or impact fertility in any way. Data also shows that taking the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not increase an expectant mother’s risk of suffering a miscarriage. In addition, taking the vaccine helps the immune systems of pregnant women fight Covid-19, and since the vaccine does not contain the coronavirus or any live virus, pregnant women cannot get Covid-19 from taking the vaccine.
Ultimately, pregnant or not, anyone thinking about getting the Covid vaccine should discuss their options with their physician first.
Can I Take the Covid Vaccine If I’m Breastfeeding?
Both the CDC and FDA have stated that it is safe for women who are breastfeeding to take the Covid vaccine. In fact, both the FDA and CDC recommend that women who are breastfeeding get the Covid vaccine. The reason for the recommendation is two-pronged. Getting the vaccine helps protect new moms from Covid-19, and data also indicates that there is a possibility that mothers who are vaccinated and breastfeeding can pass along antibodies in the breast milk that they feed their babies that may help protect the children from Covid-19 as well.
At the end of the day, the best way to be sure if taking the Covid vaccine is safe for you and/or your baby is to speak with a doctor.
Have Questions About Vaccines, Pregnancy, and Malpractice?
For more than 20 years, David Kates has been advocating on behalf of medical malpractice victims and their families, including handling cases involving birth injuries and medication errors. Attorney Kates has the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you understand the best options available to you and your family. If you choose to pursue legal action, he can help you avoid the pitfalls associated with medical malpractice litigation and assist you in securing the results you and your family need to hold those at fault for your pain and suffering accountable.
To discuss your situation with an experienced Queens medical malpractice attorney, call us at (718) 866-3664 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.