Lindsey Carr

 was developed by ACOG’s Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group in collaboration with 

; Richard Beigi, MD; Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH; Brenna L. Hughes, MD, MSc; Geeta Swamy, MD; Linda O’Neal Eckert, MD; Mark Turrentine, MD; and Sarah Carroll, MPH. The Practice Advisory will reflect any changes as more data are collected about the vaccines and their use in specific populations.

ACOG recommends that pregnant individuals have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to lactating individuals.

Individuals considering a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to available information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, including information about data that are not available.

A discussion with their health care provider can help them make an informed decision.

the risk and potential severity of maternal disease, including the effects of disease on the fetus and newborn

the safety of the vaccine for the pregnant patient and the fetus.

While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it should not be required prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access.

Pregnancy testing should not be a requirement prior to receiving any EUA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility have been scientifically disproven. ACOG recommends vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy.

Women under age 50 including those who are pregnant can receive any FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine available to them. However, they should be aware of the rare risk of TTS (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) after receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and that other FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are available (i.e., mRNA vaccines)

Articles

The Practice Advisory, developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), offers an overview of the latest guidance for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and lactating patients.

ACOG Advisory Offers Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Lactating Patients

The FDA has approved the drug, which is a new combined oral contraceptive (COC) with 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) and 14.2 mg estetrol (E4). Developed by Mithra Pharmaceuticals, it is the first and only contraceptive pill containing E4. That means it is the first new estrogen introduced in the U.S. in more than 50 years.

Nextstellis will be marketed and distributed by Mayne Pharma, SA, by the end of June 2021.

In phase 3 clinical trials conducted in 3725 women, Nextstellis proved to be safe, effective, and demonstrated outstanding cycle control, bleeding control, safety and tolerability, according to reports.

“When speaking with patients about their contraceptive options, one of the most common concerns is side effects,” said Mitchell Creinin, Professor and Director of Family Planning at the University of California in a 

. Clinical results showed a desirable bleeding profile and minimal impact on triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose, and on weight and endocrine markers. Nextstellis also produced significantly lower increases in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) compared to two other contraceptives containing the synthetic estrogen ethinyl-estradiol (EE).

Nextstellis (drospirenone; estetrol) now is approved as a combined oral contraceptive for birth control.