The World Health Organization (WHO) has notably revised its previous position regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant individuals, now endorsing the vaccine’s use. Initially, the WHO advised that vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna should only be administered to pregnant people in high-risk categories. However, this guidance faced criticism, prompting the WHO to reassess its recommendations. In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had already been advocating for the vaccination of pregnant individuals, leading to confusion among expectant parents.
With the updated guidance, the WHO now aligns with the CDC, stating, “While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe COVID-19, very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy. Nevertheless, based on what we know about this kind of vaccine, we don’t have any specific reason to believe there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women.” This statement has been welcomed by experts in the field, including Dr. Sarah Thompson, an obstetrician and member of the COVID expert group with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who noted, “This quick shift by the WHO is excellent news for pregnant individuals and their babies.”
It’s important to note that while neither the Pfizer-BioNTech nor Moderna vaccines have been tested directly on pregnant individuals, animal studies have not indicated any harmful effects. Historically, pregnant women have been excluded from drug trials, yet vaccinations, including the flu shot, have been recommended for decades. Furthermore, a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that pregnant women who experience severe COVID-19 may be at an increased risk of mortality and preterm delivery compared to asymptomatic counterparts. The WHO concurs, adding that severe cases in pregnant individuals often necessitate intensive care.
The CDC elaborated on its recommendation, explaining that mRNA vaccines do not interact with DNA, as the mRNA does not enter the cell’s nucleus and is rapidly degraded. Experts believe this mechanism minimizes any specific risks related to pregnancy. According to the LA Times, about 1% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. have required intensive care due to COVID-19 complications, with 1.5 out of every 1,000 pregnant individuals succumbing to the virus.
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Summary
Both the WHO and CDC now agree that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant individuals, encouraging vaccination to mitigate the risks associated with severe COVID-19. This alignment offers reassurance to expectant parents, despite the lack of direct testing on pregnant individuals. The evolving guidance reflects a growing consensus on the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.
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