Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that a staggering 75% of individuals who are pregnant have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine. This alarming information comes as cases of the highly contagious Delta variant surge across the nation. The situation is even more concerning for Black pregnant individuals, with nearly 90% remaining unvaccinated.
In light of these findings, health organizations have intensified their calls for pregnant individuals to consider vaccination. Research supports the safety and efficacy of the vaccine during pregnancy. “The CDC advises all those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant to get vaccinated to safeguard themselves from COVID-19,” stated Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC’s director. “Given the rapid spread of the Delta variant and the severe outcomes observed among unvaccinated pregnant individuals, the urgency for vaccination has never been greater.”
Tragic cases highlight the risks; a Texas mother tragically passed away shortly after childbirth due to COVID-19, expressing regret for not getting vaccinated in a message to her mother. Additionally, a Florida mother died just ten days post-delivery, and a doctor in Alabama reported that seven out of ten pregnant women in her ICU are on ventilators, all unvaccinated.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have recently urged all pregnant individuals to get vaccinated promptly. Dr. J. Martin Tucker, ACOG president, emphasized the vaccine’s proven safety and the heightened risks of severe complications from COVID-19 for pregnant individuals. He reassured that choosing to vaccinate not only protects them but also their families and communities.
Two recent studies affirm that all three COVID-19 vaccines are “completely safe” and effective for pregnant individuals, according to Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The studies indicate that pregnant individuals can receive the vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy. Notably, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines utilize mRNA technology, which is safe during pregnancy as they do not contain a live virus.
The CDC has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections among pregnant individuals, emphasizing that the combination of the Delta variant’s spread, low vaccination rates, and the heightened risks of severe illness make vaccination for this group more critical than ever. For additional insights, you can check out our other blog post on this topic at Home Insemination Blog. Also, for more information on fertility options, Make A Mom offers valuable resources, and UCSF’s IVF resources can be an excellent guide for pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, the CDC’s latest data indicates that a significant majority of pregnant individuals remain unvaccinated against COVID-19, particularly among the Black community. Health officials are stressing the importance of vaccination to protect both the mother and child from severe outcomes associated with COVID-19. With rising Delta variant cases, it is crucial for expectant individuals to consider vaccination seriously.
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