As COVID-19 vaccinations become more widespread, many expectant individuals are grappling with the question: “Should I get vaccinated?” Confusion arises as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer differing guidance on the matter, leaving many unsure of the best course of action.
CDC Guidelines
The CDC has released interim guidelines suggesting that if pregnant individuals are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, “they may choose to be vaccinated.” While there is limited data on the vaccine’s safety for this group, the CDC indicates that no safety issues were observed in rats administered the Moderna vaccine before or during pregnancy. They state, “Studies in pregnant individuals are planned, and vaccine manufacturers are monitoring outcomes among those who became pregnant during clinical trials.” Experts currently believe that mRNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, are unlikely to pose risks to pregnant individuals or their fetuses since these vaccines do not contain live virus.
WHO Recommendations
In contrast, the WHO advises against the Moderna vaccine for pregnant individuals unless they are at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers. Their latest statement emphasizes the heightened risk of severe COVID-19 for pregnant women but maintains that the vaccine is not recommended for them at this time.
Impact of Conflicting Guidance
This lack of consensus adds to the anxiety already experienced by those who are pregnant during a pandemic. However, organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have encouraged pregnant individuals with access to COVID-19 vaccines to receive them. ACOG asserts that the vaccines are comparable in safety and efficacy for pregnant individuals as they are for the general population, although they acknowledge the absence of robust data means potential risks remain uncertain.
Statistics on COVID-19 Risks for Pregnant Individuals
Statistics reveal that while the overall risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is low for individuals of childbearing age, pregnant individuals are at a greater risk for complications, including higher rates of ICU admission, ventilation needs, and mortality. Reports indicate that approximately 1% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. have required ICU care for COVID-19, with a mortality rate of 1.5 per 1,000 infected pregnant individuals.
Further Reading
For more comprehensive insights, check out our previous blog post here, and for authoritative information on fertility, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, you can find helpful resources on pregnancy and home insemination at NHS IVF.
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Summary
The CDC and WHO provide conflicting guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant individuals, leading to confusion and concern. While the CDC suggests that eligible pregnant individuals may opt for vaccination, the WHO recommends against it unless the person is at high risk. Organizations like ACOG advocate for vaccination, citing the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccines for this demographic. However, the absence of extensive data leaves some uncertainty about potential risks.