COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy: Should I get the vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that anyone who’s pregnant should get the COVID-19 vaccine. We agree!

VCU Health OB/GYN experts answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I’m trying to get pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. If you’re trying to get pregnant, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, get both — even if you become pregnant after your first dose. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility.

I’m already pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. If you are pregnant, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. Being pregnant increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This can be dangerous for baby too. COVID-19 vaccines prevent COVID-19 infection, severe illness and death. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause miscarriages.

More information is available in this statement from ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

I’m breastfeeding. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. If you’re breastfeeding, the CDC and ACOG recommend that you get vaccinated. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies your body makes can be passed through your breast milk and help protect your child from the virus. Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough, pediatrician and medical director of our Mother-Infant Unit, answers some common questions about the COVID vaccine and breastfeeding in this article.

Are these vaccines safe?

Yes. A growing amount of data confirms the safety of the vaccines and that to best protect you and your baby, you should be vaccinated against COVID-19.

How do I schedule my vaccination?

Call your primary care provider to schedule a vaccination or booster shot appointment. If you're a VCU Health patient, learn more at VCU Health's COVID-19 site.

If you aren’t a patient but you do live in Virginia, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA to sign up for vaccination.

Keep up with the latest on COVID-19 and how to keep your growing family healthy.