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
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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)