Pregnant women across the nation have been unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The lack of clinical trials on vaccinated pregnant women is driving vaccine hesitancy, but local health officials are urging women to get it.
"I know those planning to become pregnant, those who are currently pregnant or those who have recently delivered may have concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination," said OBGYN Dr. Cristina Gamboa.
However, Gamboa strongly reassures that the vaccine is safe and necessary.
"I encourage all moms during their prenatal visits that if questions come up about the vaccination or that they’re desiring to wait, that an active plan is made so a vaccination can be done as soon as delivery happens," she affirmed.
Though most pregnant women who get sick with COVID-19 have had mild symptoms, research shows that pregnancy does increase a person’s risk of being hospitalized with coronavirus.
COVID-19 also impacts a woman’s chances of having a preterm birth, the CDC reported.