Can you get vaccinated?

Since the COVID-19 vaccine was first released, there have been many questions surrounding its safety and effectiveness. This certainly applies to moms-to-be who worry if it’s safe to get vaccinated while pregnant. You may also wonder about the safety of getting pregnant after you're vaccinated for COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy.
Many people in the U.S. are now fully vaccinated, thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines across the country. This includes vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. When the vaccines were first approved, pregnant women were allowed to choose if they wanted to be vaccinated. Doctors neither recommended nor discouraged them from taking the vaccine. This was because pregnant women hadn’t been included in vaccine trials, so not enough was known about the safety of the vaccine for an unborn baby and mom.
Research is ongoing, and the COVID-19 vaccine is still being offered to women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. Current information says that there is no reason not to get vaccinated if you are:
- Pregnant or think that you could be pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Trying to get pregnant
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that the COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t be withheld from pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant. But these women should talk to their doctors about the vaccine and pregnancy first, especially if they have concerns.
Does the vaccine affect fertility?
One of the first pieces of misinformation to come out surrounding the safety of the vaccine was that it caused fertility problems for women who were trying to become pregnant. Scientists and doctors want to dispel this rumor. Research shows that there is no reason to think that there are any risks when it comes to fertility and the vaccine.
As studies on the vaccine and pregnancy continue, there is currently no evidence to support that the vaccine causes infertility in women. Past speculation was that the COVID-19 vaccine could use syncytin-1 to attack the body. This is a protein in the placenta that happens to share a tiny piece of genetic code with a protein in the vaccine. Even though they’re similar, their structures are different enough that your immune system can’t get confused.
Human vaccine trials didn’t include specific studies on fertility. Even so, experts agree that there is no reason to delay getting pregnant or to avoid taking the vaccine. The vaccine may help to protect your health throughout your pregnancy.
Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?
Experts agree that it’s safe to get pregnant after having the COVID-19 vaccine. But what about women who are already pregnant?
Current information shows that the risk of having serious symptoms and illness goes up for pregnant women with COVID-19. They are more at risk than women of similar age who aren’t pregnant. Pregnant women have a higher chance of needing hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU) and needing a higher level of care. This may include needing the support of a machine to breathe.
The risk of death is also higher for pregnant women than nonpregnant women. In addition to having more serious symptoms, pregnant women with COVID-19 also have a higher risk of delivering their baby preterm.
Doctors believe that pregnant women who get COVID-19 have up to a three times higher chance of serious illness than people who aren’t pregnant. But studies have shown positive effects of getting the vaccine while pregnant. One study from The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that antibodies were found in the umbilical cord and breast milk of women who were vaccinated. This means that the vaccine can help both you and your baby — throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Other ways to protect yourself from COVID-19
Besides getting vaccinated, the CDC recommends that pregnant women limit their interactions with people who have been exposed to the virus. You should always wear a mask in crowded places. Also wear a mask when it isn’t possible to stay at least six feet away from the people around you.
Try to avoid places with poor ventilation. If you’re indoors, try to keep windows and doors open to let in fresh air. Wash your hands with soap often and for at least 20 seconds every time. Make sure to wash your hands when you:
- Come in from a public place
- Cover your mouth to sneeze or cough
- Prepare or eat food
- Use the washroom
- Touch your face
- Blow your nose
- Change a diaper
All of these tips, along with vaccination, can help ensure that you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

QUESTION
The first sign of pregnancy is most often: See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Harvard Health Publishing: "Wondering about COVID-19 vaccines if you're pregnant or considering pregnancy?"
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "The COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know.?"
MU Health Care: "Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Fertility? Here's What the Experts Say."
NHS: "Pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination."
UChicagoMedicine: "COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy: What you need to know if you're pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding."
YaleNewHavenHealth: "Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? Here's What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine."
Top Take COVID 19 Vaccine if Trying to Get Pregnant Related Articles
Can Babies Get COVID-19?
According to the CDC, it's not common for newborns to be diagnosed with COVID-19. But there have been a few cases of newborns testing positive for the virus.Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): The Latest News, Updates, and Information
See the latest news, updates, and information on the Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. Learn about symptoms, prevention, face masks, vaccines, Delta and Omicron variants, possible treatments, quarantine, isolation, social distancing, self-isolation and more.Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Prevention Tips
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that spreads from person to person via infected respiratory droplets. The main symptoms of COVID-19 infection include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Occasionally, people infected with COVID-19 may experience diarrhea, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, or aches and pains. Avoiding contact with infected people, social distancing, not touching your face, frequent hand washing, cleaning, and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces can help to reduce your risk of contracting the 2019 novel coronavirus.Do Recovered COVID-19 Patients Have Antibodies?
While antibodies have been found in people who recover from COVID-19, it’s unclear how long the immune response lasts. It’s important to continue following public health guidelines to protect yourself from reinfection.Am I Pregnant Quiz
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may experience typical "morning sickness" and food cravings. Could you be pregnant? Take the quiz!Is Your Immune System Stronger After COVID-19?
A robust immune system protects you from getting sick following exposure to germs and viruses. Yes, recovering from COVID-19 makes your immune system stronger.Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.Getting Pregnant (Tips for Trying to Conceive)
Trying to get conceive, or become pregnant can be challenging, frustrating, and an emotional rollercoaster for some couples. A couple can chart their progress, which may ultimately lead to a successful healthy pregnancy, or, when necessary, lead to discussions with a fertility specialist.What Are Some of the Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children?
What should you do if your child gets sick during the pandemic? Understand the symptoms of COVID-19 in children and how to manage them.Pregnant? Don't Eat This
Do you know which common foods may be risky during pregnancy? Learn which foods to avoid, while pregnant, such as queso dip, lunch meat, coffee and more.Which Type of Diabetes Is Worse for COVID?
COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a mild illness in most people. People with type 1 diabetes have 3.5 times the risk of dying compared to people without diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes have double the mortality risk with this viral infection.COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs mainly through contact with respiratory sections from an infected person, however, fecal contamination may also spread the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. COVID-19 vaccines are available.