Can I contract the COVID-19 from the coronavirus vaccine?
No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines currently available. You may experience mild, temporary side effects, but side effects are the immune system’s response to the vaccination, not COVID-19.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, their safety and side effects, and what to expect if you choose to be vaccinated.
Can COVID-19 be severe in pregnant women?
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes pregnant women as a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 illness. Consequently getting the COVID vaccine for the coronavirus is important for pregnant women to consider.
- Recent data indicate an increased risk of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and ventilator support needs , and death in pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19.
- Health conditions that may contribute to death, or Co-morbidities, including racial and socioeconomic factors increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
- Lactating women are not considered at higher risk of developing severe illness when compared with the non-pregnant population.
People who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated. A conversation between pregnant patients and their clinicians may help them decide whether to get vaccinated with a vaccine that has been authorized for use under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). While a conversation with a healthcare provider may be helpful, it is not required prior to vaccination.
Key considerations pregnant patients can discuss with their healthcare provider include:
- The likelihood of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- Risks of COVID-19 to them and potential risks to their fetuses
- What is known about the vaccine: how well it works to develop protection in the body, known side effects of the vaccine, and lack of data during pregnancy
Pregnant patients who decide to get vaccinated should continue to follow the current guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after they are vaccinated. That means:
- Wearing a mask
- Staying at least six feet away from others
- Avoiding crowds
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Following CDC travel guidance
- Following quarantine guidance after exposure to COVID-19
- Following any applicable workplace guidance
Consult your obstetrician about health concerns specific to you.