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

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.

The Practice Advisory1 was developed by ACOG’s Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group in collaboration with Laura E. Riley, MD; 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.

Key Points

  • 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.
  • Important considerations include:
    • the potential efficacy of the vaccine
    • 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)

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