Pregnancy and Fertility

Yes, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant now or in the future. Data show that pregnant and recently pregnant people are at higher risk for severe COVID-19  infection, and vaccination is the best way to protect against severe illness.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Updated October 29, 2024 

No, research shows that a COVID-19 vaccine will not increase the risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy-related complications. 

On the contrary, data show that a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering a preterm or stillborn infant.

There has been extensive and ongoing safety monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccines, including before and during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccination provides antibodies to the pregnant person and the baby, protecting them both from the increased risk of serious illness.

Updated October 29, 2024 

No, there is no evidence that fertility is impacted by any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

Added October 29, 2024 

Yes, data show that after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, pregnant people pass their antibodies to their child. These antibodies have been found in umbilical cord blood, which means that the placenta has transferred protective immune cells from the vaccinated person to the infant. T Antibodies have also been found in breastmilk. 

This transfer of antibodies to infants helps strengthen their vulnerable immune systems when they’re too young for vaccination. In both of these cases, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, more data are needed to determine how much protection these antibodies may provide to the baby.

Updated October 29, 2024