COVID-19 continues to affect Black, brown and indigenous people disproportionately. Mistrust of the medical system, misinformation about the virus, and poor COVID-19 management, make it unsurprising that our communities have less trust in the vaccine.
The only way to fight this virus and save our communities is by providing pregnant people and parenting families with the information they need to stay safe and make an informed decision about the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccines & Pregnancy/Lactation
Pregnant and lactating people can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A conversation with your healthcare provider may assist you in making your decision but is not required to obtain the vaccine.
You can speak with your healthcare provider to help you decide whether to receive a vaccine.
Note: a conversation with your healthcare provider may be helpful, but it is not required before vaccination.
Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence on the Delta variant.
Reports have shown that lactating people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies.
Preliminary data indicate that COVID-19 vaccines don’t increase the risk of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes. For more information, please read this article in the New England Journal of Medicine and visit the Health Feedback website.
Share this information with the pregnant, lactating, and parenting families you love, work with, and serve. It might save a life!
Resources on COVID-19 Vaccines & Pregnancy/Lactation
COVID Collaborative: Get COVID Answers: Questions & Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines | The Ad Council (getvaccineanswers.org)
Vaccine Factsheets: Vaccines: COVID-19
Visit the Birthing People Bill of Rights for details on how to support birthing people during the COVID-19 pandemic.