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COVID-19 immunization in pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any time during pregnancy.
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COVID-19 Risks

Serious complications related to COVID-19 infection are more common if you’re pregnant than if you’re not pregnant.

  • There’s evidence that if you’re pregnant and have COVID-19 you’re at higher risk of being admitted to hospital and developing respiratory (lung) complications that need intensive care (ICU).
  • If you’re pregnant and have COVID-19 you’re more likely to have a premature birth. Your baby is more likely to be admitted to aneonatal care unit (NICU).
  • If you’re pregnant and have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, you have an even higher risk of being seriously ill from COVID-19.

There is evidence showing that if you are pregnant and have COVID-19 you’re at higher risk of being admitted to a hospital and developing respiratory (lung) complications that need intensive care (ICU).

Safety

Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for those who are trying to get pregnant (does not impact fertility) and does not increase the risk of miscarriage.

It is best to get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Research to date shows that it is the safest type of COVID-19 vaccine to get during pregnancy.

  • None of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines in use in Canada contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
  • Injecting mRNA into a person doesn’t change the DNA of a human cell.
  • Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for those who are trying to get pregnant (does not impact fertility) and does not increase the risk of miscarriage.
  • Learn more about how vaccines work.

Pregnancy and COVID-19 videos

Benefits

  • COVID-19 vaccines do work. They prevent illness and lower your chance of becoming seriously ill if you do get the virus. They can also lower your chance of complications of severe illness, like premature births.
  • Immunization can also lower the spread of the virus to others in your household, including newborn infants.
  • Immunization allows immunity to be passed from mother to infant, helping to protect your baby for the first few months of life.

Balancing what’s right for you

To help make an informed decision, try to understand as much as you can about COVID-19 and the vaccines.

If you have questions, talk about the vaccines that are available with your healthcare provider. Consider your circumstances. Ask yourself questions like:

  • What’s your chance of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus at work, at school, in your home, and in your community?
  • For example, do you work outside the home where you’re in contact with others? Does your partner or any member of your household work outside your home where they are in contact with others? Do you live in a crowded household?
  • Do you have medical conditions or other risks that could cause you to be seriously ill if you get COVID-19? These include being obese, having diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or a weak immune response due to disease or treatment. Are you able to work from home until the end of your pregnancy to lower your risk of getting COVID-19?

After getting the COVID-19 vaccine, continue to assess your personal risk and take the appropriate precautions to keep yourself, your baby, and others safe.

Current as of: November 15, 2021
Author: Alberta Health Services
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.