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Does a lack of specific data mean pregnant women should avoid getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Tuesday, December 15, 2020
By Christopher Hutton
NO

A lack of data should not keep pregnant women from getting the just-approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, advisory groups say. The vaccine has yet to be tested specifically with pregnant women. Given what is known about the design of the vaccine, and the known risks from COVID-19 for pregnant women, a Centers for Disease Control committee said a pregnant woman in any group (such as health care workers) recommended to get the vaccine may choose to do so. It added that a discussion with her doctor can help her make ”an informed decision.”

A leading OB-GYN group concurs that the vaccines ”should not be withheld” from pregnant women in the priority groups.

Pfizer told the New York Times that at least 24 women enrolled in its trials became pregnant later, without developing “notable” complications.

The CDC makes no recommendations to delay getting pregnant after getting the vaccine.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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