Pregnancy and Breastfeeding FAQ

We know you have many questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines during your pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding. For general information about the COVID-19 vaccine, see the Vaccine FAQ.

All COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. are safe for pregnant women and have been shown to decrease severe disease and death. The benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.

Should women who are pregnant or breastfeeding get the vaccine?

We recommend strongly that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or are planning on becoming pregnant receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You do not need to have a conversation with your obstetric health care providers to make an appointment for the vaccine. We are very happy to meet with you to help you decide whether to take the vaccine.

What are the benefits of getting the COVID vaccine?

The vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. It will dramatically decrease the chance of severe illness. You must get both doses of the vaccine for it to be fully effective. It’s not yet known whether getting the vaccine prevents passing the virus to others if you do get COVID-19 or how long protection lasts. Vaccinated people still need to follow local and national recommendations for ways to decrease infection such as handwashing, use of masks, and social distancing.

Are pregnant women at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

Pregnant and recently pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, including illness that results in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and death. Additionally, pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth, which could cause the baby harm and possible other outcomes such as stillbirth.

An analysis of VAERS and v-safe registry data has not identified any vaccine safety concerns with pregnant people or their infants. Available data show the vaccines are effective in pregnant people and indicate the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of COVID-19.

Were pregnant and breastfeeding women included in the vaccine trials?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women were not included in the vaccine clinical trials. At present, thousands of pregnant women have been vaccinated and no increased risk for problems for the mother and baby has been found.

Is the vaccine a live vaccine?

The vaccine is not a live vaccine. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is like the flu shot, which exposes the body to something that looks like the part of the virus so our bodies do the natural process of making antibodies to protect against disease.

What are the side effects and when may they occur?

Side effects may occur in the first 3 days after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These include minor side effects like tiredness, mild to moderate fever, headache, and muscle aches and pain where the shot was given. Having symptoms is a sign that the vaccine is working and antibodies are being made.

Pregnant women who experience fever after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat the fever, since very high fever can harm a baby. Acetaminophen is safe to use during pregnancy and does not affect how the vaccine works if it is taken when symptoms occur after the vaccination.

Is it safe for breastfeeding women to get the vaccine?

Although lactating individuals were not allowed in the clinical trials, we know from lots of experience with other vaccines the benefits of vaccination outweigh the very small safety concerns. You don’t have to delay or stop breastfeeding just because you get the vaccine.

What if I choose not to get the vaccine while I am pregnant?

If you choose not to get the vaccine while you are pregnant, you can get it after you have your baby.

What should I do if I choose to get the vaccine while I am pregnant?

When you receive your first dose, you will also receive a COVID-19 vaccination record card. Bring your COVID-19 vaccination record card when you return for your subsequent doses to ensure you are getting the appropriate vaccination. It is important to store the card safely. Consider signing up for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) V-safe program to allow us to collect more information about outcomes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.