The SOGC recommends that all individuals who are pregnant or those trying to become pregnant should receive all COVID-19 vaccination doses, including the booster dose, when eligible. Pregnant individuals who are unvaccinated are at risk for severe COVID-19 complications.
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Yes NoCOVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy
Understanding the risks of COVID-19 while pregnant.
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COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy Based on what we know, there is no theoretical reason to believe the COVID-19 vaccines would be unsafe in pregnancy. The vaccines do not contain live virus. |
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How can I protect myself against COVID-19 when pregnant? The basic protection against COVID-19 is the same for everyone, but it is even more important if you are pregnant. |
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Updated: November 4, 2021- SOGC statement on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy The risks associated with contracting COVID-19 outweigh the theorized risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. |
Prevention
The basic protection against COVID-19 is the same for everyone, but it is even more important if you are pregnant.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 refers to infections mainly affecting the respiratory system, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Even before a person knows they are sick they can pass the virus to another person. For many people, COVID-19 will only cause a mild illness, but the person or people who they spread it to can become seriously ill.
There are certain factors that can put you at greater risk from COVID-19 while pregnant. These include:
- Being at the front lines or in a community outbreak situation
- Age > 35 years
- Obesity (BMI >30)
- Pre-pregnancy high blood pressure
- Pre-pregnancy diabetes
- Asthma
- Heart disease
What do we know about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy?
The SOGC, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and a number of other national and international bodies “Recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all pregnant, breastfeeding and planning to become pregnant women and persons”. The COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and recommended for all pregnant persons at anytime during pregnancy.
Over 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States. No major side effects have been identified at this point. There are no differences in miscarriage, preterm births, stillbirths or birth defects noted.
COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility and there is no scientific reason to believe that they will cause infertility. Recent studies have shown that they do not impact fertility. In fact, getting the COVID-19 vaccine before getting pregnant may protect you and your future baby from the harms of COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Should anyone who is pregnant get vaccinated?
All pregnant individuals should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, when eligible (based on their provincial/ territorial and local policies). Pregnancy is not a reason to be excluded from vaccination. With recent severe COVID-19 infections seen in pregnant women in Canada, pregnancy should be a reason to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. Anyone who is pregnant should discuss the vaccine with their prenatal care provider.
It’s important for pregnant individuals to be up to date on all recommended vaccinations during pregnancy. Speak with your health care provider to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Visit our full website for the latest facts and resources on pregnancy and childbirth from Canada’s experts.
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