As the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads—being described by the CDC as equally contagious as chickenpox—leading obstetric organizations are urging expectant parents to get vaccinated. Recent research examining the vaccines’ effects on pregnancy has shown no negative impact, with one study affirming their safety for pregnant individuals.
“ACOG is advocating for its members to actively suggest vaccination to their patients. This includes highlighting the established safety of the vaccines and the heightened risks of serious complications—including death—associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy,” states Dr. Emily Harper, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which consists of over 60,000 ob-gyns. ACOG, in conjunction with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), emphasizes the importance of vaccination for anyone who is pregnant.
The recommendation stems from extensive evidence indicating that the vaccines are safe for use during pregnancy, based on data from tens of thousands of expectant individuals. With current vaccination rates low and a concerning uptick in COVID cases, ACOG and SMFM stress the urgency of getting vaccinated. Reports indicate that only about 22 percent of pregnant individuals have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. With new data showing that over 95 percent of those hospitalized or dying from COVID are unvaccinated, the organizations are urging pregnant people to get vaccinated promptly.
“It is important for expectant parents to feel assured about their choice to get vaccinated, and a solid recommendation from their ob-gyn can significantly influence many,” Dr. Harper adds. She continues by stating that ACOG supports vaccination for pregnant individuals based on strong evidence of the vaccine’s efficacy and safety during pregnancy, as well as the increased risks associated with COVID-19 infection. “Getting vaccinated protects not only the individual but also their families and communities.”
ACOG warns that pregnant individuals who opt to delay vaccination until after delivery may be unknowingly putting themselves at a greater risk of severe illness or death. Those who have recently given birth and were not vaccinated during pregnancy are also strongly advised to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to mitigate maternal and fetal complications among pregnant individuals,” says Dr. Samuel Johnson, president of SMFM. For additional information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the NHS.
For further reading on this topic, you can explore this related blog post and consider insights from this authoritative source.
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Summary:
Leading obstetric organizations are urging pregnant individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, especially amidst the spread of the Delta variant. Evidence indicates that the vaccines are safe for use during pregnancy, and vaccination can significantly reduce the risks of severe illness. Expectant parents are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about vaccination for their own safety and that of their families.