Are pregnant people at greater risk from COVID-19?

Healthcare workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Joia Crear-Perry, MD, OB/GYN explains during pregnancy your immune system is working overtime, which can make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 if infected. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine protects you and your baby.

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So, when you become pregnant in order to stay pregnant, your body goes through all these changes. And one of those changes is your immune system changes. When you’re pregnant, your body says, okay, I want to hold onto this baby. So, let me make sure my immune system is not as active so that I can stay pregnant. And that decreasing of your immune system to maintain the pregnancy also means the virus has more access to you because the virus now sees an entryway, an entry point. So, that’s why you see pregnancy being a state of increased risk of infection.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

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COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated (bivalent) boosters are now available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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