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I’m pregnant. Should I still get the vaccine?

Yes. Pregnant women can be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Compared to non-pregnant people, COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the newborn.

Some important information for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy includes:

  • COVID-19 vaccines do not cause COVID-19, including in people who are pregnant or their babies. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain live virus. They cannot make anyone sick with COVID-19, including people who are pregnant or their babies.
  • Data on the safety of receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer), before and during pregnancy are reassuring. Studies show no increased risk for complications like miscarriage, preterm delivery, stillbirth, or birth defects.
  • The monitoring of the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is ongoing. Safety surveillance organizations around the world will continue to follow people vaccinated during all trimesters of pregnancy to better understand any effects of the vaccine on pregnancies and babies.
  • Data show that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy are effective. They reduce the risk of severe illness and other health effects from COVID-19 for people who are pregnant.
  • COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby. Much like people who are not pregnant, when people who are pregnant receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, their bodies build antibodies against COVID-19.
  • Receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy can help protect babies younger than age 6 months from hospitalization due to COVID-19.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommends that all pregnant people should be prioritized to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The full SOGC Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy can be found here.

• Information for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals (Manitoba Public Health)