I find it disheartening to continually report on troubling issues related to COVID, but the reality is that we could avoid this if everyone, including pregnant individuals, would take proper precautions—like wearing masks and getting vaccinated. It’s concerning that some still regard Delta as merely an airline.
Last Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly urged all expectant individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With only 23% of pregnant individuals vaccinated, hospitals in areas with high infection rates are experiencing an alarming increase in severe COVID cases among unvaccinated pregnant individuals.
The CDC reports that around 105,000 pregnant individuals in the U.S. have contracted COVID, with nearly 18,000 (17%—almost 1 in 5) requiring hospitalization. Of those hospitalized, about 25% needed intensive care, and 124 have died.
“CDC encourages all pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding to get vaccinated to safeguard themselves against COVID-19,” stated CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky in an August 11 announcement. “The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more critical to ramp up vaccination rates as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant, which poses severe risks for unvaccinated pregnant individuals.”
The COVID Vaccine Is Safer Than Contracting COVID During Pregnancy
It’s infuriating to even have to mention this. Why must the CDC persuade pregnant individuals to get vaccinated? The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy is safer than contracting the virus, particularly given that the Delta variant is significantly more contagious and can lead to more severe health outcomes.
Why Vaccination Is Vital for Pregnant People
Pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are at a higher risk for needing intensive care, being placed on ventilation or life support, and even dying. While the overall risk of death remains low, there is an increased chance of premature birth, which can lead to numerous complications for the newborn, including heart and respiratory issues.
If you think you can navigate COVID without serious consequences, consider that many infants have contracted the virus post-birth from unvaccinated mothers, as their immune systems are not fully developed. Pregnancy can weaken the immune system and reduce lung capacity, making pregnant individuals particularly vulnerable to the virus. Moreover, pregnant women of color, especially Black and Hispanic women, face heightened risks due to systemic healthcare and economic disparities.
In a June CDC report, only about 16% of pregnant individuals were fully vaccinated, with Black and Hispanic individuals and those aged 18 to 24 showing vaccination rates as low as 6% to 12%—well below the general U.S. population rate of 50%.
The COVID Vaccine Is Safe for Pregnant Individuals
Misinformation regarding the vaccine’s impact on fertility and the fetus has been debunked, yet fear persists. Leading health organizations now recommend the COVID vaccine for pregnant individuals. The CDC has shifted from leaving the decision up to individuals to actively urging vaccination due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant.
In a statement, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recently encouraged healthcare providers to “enthusiastically recommend vaccination” for pregnant individuals.
Current Data Supports Vaccine Safety
Concerns about insufficient data on the vaccine’s safety during pregnancy have been addressed. ACOG and SMFM referenced evidence from tens of thousands of reports indicating the COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and may even provide some immunity to newborns.
Recent data indicates no increased risk of miscarriage among approximately 2,500 pregnant individuals who received the mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) before 20 weeks; the miscarriage rate for vaccinated individuals was 13%, closely aligning with the general population rate of 11% to 16%.
Furthermore, initial research published in the New England Journal of Medicine involving 35,000 pregnant women from December 2020 to February 2021 showed no increased risk to mothers or babies from the vaccine.
I understand the caution that comes with pregnancy—I’ve experienced it myself. However, the alternative—dying from a preventable disease and leaving your child without a parent—is far worse. If you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or have recently given birth, please get vaccinated against COVID-19. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, I encourage readers to refer to local public health departments, the CDC, and the World Health Organization.