On June 10, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released its first maternal vaccination schedule. The organization, which has long issued vaccine recommendations without an official schedule, diverged from the CDC by continuing to recommend flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all pregnant people, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. The CDC does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines or flu vaccines containing thimerosal during pregnancy and has not provided a scientific explanation for these recommendations. Reactions to ACOG’s schedule were mixed, with some expressing support for evidence-based guidance and others criticizing the organization for contradicting federal recommendations. Several posts explained the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy and encouraged parents to trust their doctors’ recommendations rather than political figures. Others falsely claimed that vaccination during pregnancy is linked to complications such as miscarriage, a claim that is not supported by evidence.
Recommendation
False and misleading claims about maternal vaccines, as well as conflicting vaccine recommendations, may contribute to confusion and hesitancy. Messaging may emphasize that ACOG’s maternal vaccine schedule is supported by scientific evidence and endorsed by 13 major medical and health organizations. Communicators may also explain that ACOG is a trusted source of health information composed of experts in maternal health. Explaining that maternal vaccines have been rigorously studied and shown to be safe during pregnancy is recommended, as is emphasizing that vaccines protect both mother and child.
Fact-checking sources: ACOG, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Communication resources: Discover our communication tool for communicating about vaccination during pregnancy
