Why Pregnant People Need a COVID-19 Vaccine

Healthcare workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Eva Goodfriend-Reaño, Certified Nurse Midwife explains that COVID-19 can have more serious complications for people who are pregnant and unvaccinated, including hospitalization and preterm birth. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine protects you and your baby.

 

More FAQ Videos on pregnancy, fertility & the COVID vaccine 

We definitely recommend getting the vaccine in pregnancy and not waiting until after, if possible, because getting it during pregnancy, you have time to build those antibodies. I think about the risk of having COVID at the end of your pregnancy, which has happened to patients are being admitted and birthing and having COVID and having the additional fear that you may be infecting your newborn child. You know, we’ve taken care of many, many, many birthing people through the pandemic in that situation that have had to worry about the impact of transmitting COVID to their newborn child, because they were having active disease at the time of birth.
If someone were to get hospitalized and end up in an ICU that, that, you know, it’s a real serious impact on the health of the new family for a new parent to get COVID. So, getting it in pregnancy while you are able to have time to have that protection, I think really helps protect you, but also helps protect your family and your children.

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.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

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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Doctors, nurses, researchers and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines in this FAQ video series from KFF with the Black Coalition Against COVID and UnidosUS.

A series for parents and caregivers created in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics provides the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

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