Early results from a major CDC study on pregnant women and the COVID-19 vaccine suggest that there don’t appear to be any risks associated with getting the shot while pregnant.
35,000 pregnant women signed up for the study and got the vaccine during their pregnancy and 800 gave birth by the time the study was published.
“It appears - at least in the very first look at the initial vaccinees - that there were no complications in pregnancy,” beyond what would normally be expected, said Dr. Stephanie Gaw, an assistant professor of maternal fetal medicine at UCSF.
They also reported no additional side effects from the vaccine.
“These baby steps, these early data, everything looks more and more promising that the vaccine should be recommended for pregnant people and is safe,” said Dr. Gaw.
She says the results are very encouraging as pregnant women are at higher risk of getting COVID and experiencing a complicated case.
Other studies have also shown that some level of immunity can be passed to the child.
“I think of it as an extra bonus,” said Dr. Gaw. “That’s not the primary reason to get vaccinated. The primary reason is to protect the mom of course, because healthy mom first, healthy baby is second.”
But with no vaccinations approved yet for use in children under the age of 16, it can provide some peace of mind and protection.
While the study featured a large cohort, Dr. Gaw says the study lacked diversity so more research needs to be done.
75% of the participants were white and the participants all received the vaccine soon after it became available, suggesting that the majority are also healthcare workers.
But Dr. Gaw says this is strong evidence that the vaccine is safe for pregnant people, although anyone with questions or health concerns should speak to their doctor first.
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