As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be administered across the country, many pregnant individuals find themselves grappling with the decision: to vaccinate or not? Conflicting recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have left many feeling uncertain about the best course of action.
The CDC has issued interim guidelines stating that if pregnant individuals are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, “they may choose to be vaccinated.” Although there is limited data regarding the vaccine’s safety for pregnant people, the CDC indicates that no safety concerns were found in studies involving rats that received the Moderna vaccine prior to or during gestation. “Studies in pregnant individuals are planned, and vaccine manufacturers are closely monitoring outcomes in those who became pregnant during clinical trials,” the CDC notes. Experts believe that mRNA vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to either the pregnant individual or the fetus since mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines.
Conversely, the WHO advises against the use of the Moderna vaccine for pregnant individuals, stating that it is “not recommended” unless the individual faces a high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers. This divergence in guidance adds to the stress already faced by pregnant individuals during a pandemic. While the WHO and CDC continue to differ, organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend that pregnant individuals with access to COVID-19 vaccines should consider getting vaccinated. ACOG asserts that the vaccines appear to be as safe and effective for pregnant individuals as they are for the general population, but they also acknowledge that the potential risks to both the pregnant individual and the fetus remain unclear. ACOG has advocated for including pregnant individuals in Phase 3 clinical trials, which has not yet occurred, but trials are planned for the future.
Though the statistical risk of severe COVID-19 for those of childbearing age is relatively low, research indicates that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are more likely to require intensive care, be placed on ventilators, and face higher mortality rates. Reports suggest that around 1% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. have needed ICU care due to COVID-19, and approximately 1.5 out of every 1,000 pregnant individuals who contract the virus have died.
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In summary, as pregnant individuals navigate the uncertain landscape of COVID-19 vaccinations, they are faced with conflicting guidance from the WHO and CDC. While the CDC encourages vaccination for those eligible, the WHO advises caution unless there is a high risk of exposure. The situation continues to evolve, and it’s essential for pregnant individuals to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
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