Are you or someone you know, pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have questions about taking the COVID-19 vaccine? During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that may increase the risk of getting sick, including getting viral respiratory infections. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective in preventing infection.
According to the Ministry of Ontario, as of October 3, 2021, 73% of all pregnant people in Toronto received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 infection in pregnancy increases the risk of severe medical complications and death. It also significantly increases the risk of stillbirth, premature birth, high blood pressure, caesarean birth and low birth weight.
To protect yourself from the virus, it is important for you to get vaccinated as soon as possible while pregnant or when planning a pregnancy.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy?
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine during your pregnancy or when you are planning to get pregnant is safe, effective and highly recommended.
- The COVID-19 vaccine has no impact on fertility, including no effect on egg or sperm and there is no evidence to suggest that vaccination will cause infertility.
- The COVID-19 vaccine has no impact on pregnancy outcomes. It does not cause miscarriage, premature birth, high blood pressure, or impact the growth of the fetus.
Both the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that you get a complete series with a COVID-19 vaccine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding as soon as possible.
At this time we must continue practising public health measures to protect our community. Continue to keep your distance, wear a mask in indoor public places, wash your hands frequently and stay home when sick.
Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before getting pregnant or as soon as possible if you are pregnant now, to protect you and your baby from the increased risks caused by COVID-19 infection.
Questions?
- Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to speak to an experienced agent or health specialist at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)
- SHN VaxFacts Clinic
- Call Toronto Public Health to speak to a Public Health Nurse at (416) 338-7600
