The OB/GYN providers of NH+C's Women's Health Center answer questions about vaccination against COVID-19:
I’m pregnant. Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. If you are pregnant now, you can and should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness, complications of pregnancy, and even death from COVID-19. Vaccination reduces that risk dramatically. Over 139,562 pregnant people across the U.S. have been vaccinated (as of July 26, per CDC). All evidence shows COVID vaccination is safe during pregnancy.
I want to get pregnant soon. Should I get vaccinated now?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination protects you and your loved ones. You do not need to delay getting pregnant after you get a vaccine. Vaccination will not affect your ability to get pregnant.
I heard that vaccines can affect my fertility. Is that true?
No. COVID-19 vaccines DO NOT affect fertility. It’s distressing that many young women (and men) have latched onto misinformation that vaccines could affect their ability to have children in the future. That is a scary thought. But it simply is not true. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility. Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades. That gives us confidence that new vaccines using this proven technology are safe for you today and into your future.
I’m breastfeeding. Can I get vaccinated?
Yes. If you are breastfeeding, we recommend that you get vaccinated. You can keep breastfeeding your child. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies made by your body may be passed through breastmilk, and help protect your child from the virus.
Can’t I just wait and see how other women do with their vaccination?
There is no benefit in waiting. Two things are clear: COVID-19 remains a serious risk to those who are not vaccinated. And COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. More than 100 million people in the U.S. are now fully vaccinated, with no harm to pregnancies, fertility, or breastfeeding. As scientists continue to study the benefits and effects of COVID-19 vaccines, the data continue to reassure us.
The Women's Health Center providers:
- Nicole Dohm-Palmer, MD, FACOG
- Cristina Gonzalez-Mendez, MD, FACOG
- Shannon Lau, MD, FACOG
- Deb Suppes, MD
- Jessica Bohren, APRN, CNM
- April Fitzloff, PA-C
Learn more about COVID vaccination and about Pregnancy and COVID-19.