An article in an online women’s magazine discussed the importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. The article emphasized evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to catch COVID-19 and have a significantly lower risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, birth defects, and stillbirth, compared to unvaccinated people. Responses to the article highlighted evidence of COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness during pregnancy, sharing positive stories of their own experiences and those of others who were vaccinated while pregnant. Some posts falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to an increased risk of miscarriages and stillbirths, a myth that has been disproven repeatedly. Several posts encouraged people to ignore experts like the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics and suggested that COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe for anyone. Additionally, a September Annenberg poll found that most Americans inaccurately believe that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is dangerous.
Recommendation
Debunking messaging may explain that research shows that getting vaccinated while pregnant is safe and the best way to protect both pregnant people and infants, who are at the highest risk from COVID-19 after older adults. Messaging may emphasize that the major medical groups, including ACOG, recommend COVID-19 vaccination and affirm its safety. Finally, talking points should highlight that pregnant people are eligible for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine and that pregnancy is an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
Fact-checking sources: FactCheck.org, Yale Medicine, Science Feedback
Communication resources: Share this social media graphic highlighting that pregnant people are at high risk from COVID-19
