Increased Severe Hospitalizations Among Pregnant Individuals with COVID-19

It’s disheartening to continually address alarming issues related to COVID-19, but the reality is that many individuals, including pregnant people, need to take this pandemic seriously. The Delta variant isn’t just an airline; it’s a serious threat. Last Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly urged pregnant individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Low vaccination rates among this group—only 23% have received at least one dose—have led to a troubling increase in hospitalizations for severe COVID-19 cases, particularly in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, where healthcare systems are overwhelmed.

The CDC reports that around 105,000 pregnant individuals in the U.S. have contracted COVID-19, with nearly 18,000 (17%) requiring hospitalization. Alarmingly, about 25% of those hospitalized have needed intensive care, and there have been 124 fatalities. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, emphasized the urgency for pregnant individuals to get vaccinated, stating, “The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant.”

The Importance of Vaccination During Pregnancy

It’s frustrating to see health organizations needing to encourage pregnant individuals to get vaccinated. The evidence clearly indicates that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy poses less risk than contracting the virus itself, especially with the Delta variant being significantly more contagious. Pregnant individuals face a higher risk of severe outcomes, including intensive care admission, ventilation, or even death if they contract COVID-19. Additionally, there’s an increased likelihood of premature birth, which can lead to serious long-term health issues for infants.

Newborns can also contract COVID-19 from unvaccinated mothers. Since the immune systems of infants are still developing, they are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Pregnancy naturally compromises the immune system to protect the fetus, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. Disparities in healthcare access further exacerbate risks for pregnant women of color, as they are often already facing higher health risks.

Recent CDC data shows that only 16% of pregnant women are fully vaccinated, and among specific demographics like Black and Hispanic women, vaccination rates drop to 6%-12%. Health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) now actively recommend vaccinations for pregnant individuals in light of the rising Delta variant cases.

Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Pregnant Individuals

Concerns about the vaccine affecting fertility or fetal health have been dispelled by substantial data. The recommendation from ACOG and SMFM aligns with evidence from tens of thousands of individuals that shows the vaccines are safe during pregnancy. There’s no increased risk of miscarriage linked to the vaccines, and the rates of miscarriage among vaccinated individuals are consistent with general population statistics.

It’s completely understandable for those who are pregnant to be cautious about what they put into their bodies. However, the threat posed by COVID-19 far outweighs the risks associated with vaccination. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or recently gave birth, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and the health of your baby by getting vaccinated.

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In summary, the rising number of severe COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated pregnant individuals is alarming. The CDC urges vaccination to protect both mothers and their babies. With growing evidence supporting the vaccine’s safety during pregnancy, it’s crucial for pregnant individuals to prioritize their health by getting vaccinated.

Keyphrase: COVID-19 vaccine safety for pregnant individuals

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