Ask the Pediatrician: COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Published in Women
A question I commonly get from patients and friends is this: Should I get a COVID vaccine if I'm pregnant or want to become pregnant?
I asked myself that same question, and the answer is yes.
My husband and I got our COVID-19 shots a few months before I got pregnant, and I got another COVID-19 shot during my pregnancy.
I am one of the hundreds of thousands of pregnant people living in the U.S. who got vaccinated around pregnancy, and I had a beautiful baby girl in February 2022.
It's natural to pause to think about a decision that affects not only yourself but also another person. I decided to get a COVID-19 booster shot when I became eligible during my second trimester. I knew that it would be beneficial to my health and the health of my newborn.
If you have questions or want to learn more about COVID-19 vaccination and pregnancy, I suggest you talk with your pediatrician or obstetrician. You'll feel better knowing that you are making an informed decision.
Here are some answers to questions I'm frequently asked.
If I get a COVID vaccine during pregnancy, does it also protect my baby too?
Yes. Immunization during pregnancy allows your body to create antibodies that can be passed along to protect your baby.
Infants are recommended to start receiving COVID-19 vaccination themselves at age 6 months. Until then, immunization when you're pregnant helps your immune system and your baby's immune system.
...continued
©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Comments