COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Posted on: July 8, 2021 - 2:21pm
covid

- Updated as of 10/1/21 -

The East Hartford Health Department is joining our state and federal public health partners to advise people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks. The deadly COVID-19 illness can affect pregnant women and their newborn. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes that could include preterm birth, stillbirth, admission to the ICU, and a newborn also infected with COVID-19. For the health of your baby—and for your own health—please get the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information, please access the following:

Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People Are at Increased Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19

Although the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared with non-pregnant people. Severe illness includes illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or illness that results in death. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and might be at increased risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with pregnant women without COVID-19. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

People Who Are Breastfeeding

Clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use under an Emergency Use Authorization in the United States did not include people who are breastfeeding. Because the vaccines have not been studied on lactating people, there are no data available on the:

  • Safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating people
  • Effects of vaccination on the breastfed baby
  • Effects on milk production or excretion

Based on how these vaccines work in the body, COVID-19 vaccines are thought not to be a risk to lactating people or their breastfeeding babies. Therefore, lactating people can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Recent reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies. More data are needed to determine what protection these antibodies may provide to the baby.

People Who Would Like to Have a Baby

If trying to get pregnant now or in the future, would-be parents can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause female or male fertility problems—problems getting pregnant. CDC does not recommend routine pregnancy testing before COVID-19 vaccination. If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Like with all vaccines, scientists are studying COVID-19 vaccines carefully for side effects now and will report findings as they become available.

For more information regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness, visit the CDC website. To speak with a public health nurse or to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please call the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.