Physicians at Ochsner Health are working to dispel common myths and misinformation about COVID vaccines, especially among women of childbearing age. Ochsner Baptist OBGYN Dr. Jane Martin, who was vaccinated for COVID during her own pregnancy said we have even more data now that the vaccines are safe.
“The COVID vaccine does not increase a women’s risk of infertility, it does not increase women’s risk of miscarriage, of birth defects, or of any bad pregnancy outcomes,” said Martin.
Martin said vaccine hesitancy is understandable and especially last year when we didn’t have as much data as we do now. Martin said her personal decision to be vaccinated while pregnant was easy after seeing many pregnant women hospitalized with COVID and data confirming their increased risk.
“It showed that pregnant women are at a much higher risk of being admitted to the hospital, being intubated, being put in the ICU, and unfortunately dying from COVID when compared to nonpregnant women who are the same age,” said Martin.
Research previously indicated among non-COVID vaccines during pregnancy, that the mother will pass along protective antibodies through the placenta and breast milk to their child. Martin said now data shows it’s the same for COVID vaccinations.
“At the time we didn’t know for sure if that was the case, but we have now had some studies published that show there are protective antibodies passed to babies through the placenta and through breast milk,” said Martin.
With the Delta variant, Ochsner healthcare providers say they are now seeing an increase of younger unvaccinated patients along with pregnant patients who do not have a preexisting condition, being admitted to the hospital.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID vaccinations for all eligible persons including those who are pregnant and lactating.
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