April 27, 2021 – Update on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy and pregnancy planning
Update on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy and pregnancy planning:
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine of over 35,000 pregnant individuals who received the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine did not find a higher chance of pregnancy complications compared to a similar population pre-COVID. Although longer follow-up is still needed, this preliminary study is reassuring that no significant safety issues were identified in pregnancy individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnancy is recognized as a risk factor for more severe complications for COVID-19 including increased risk of hospitalization and ICU admission, and vaccination can reduce the chance of infection and serious complications from COVID-19.
As of April 23, pregnant people have been added to the “highest risk” category and can book a COVID-19 vaccine through the provincial website: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ . A doctor’s note is not required.
The Ministry of Health has also developed a patient decision tool regarding COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccination_pregnancy_decision_making_support_tool.pdf
The Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada (SOGC) supports the use of all available COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada in any trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding in accordance with regional eligibility.
Further information on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy can be found at:
https://cfas.ca/_Library/SOGC_Statement_/CFAS_COVID-19_Vaccine_Build_Final_April2021_Final_EN.pdf
Sinai Health COVID-19 Information and Resources
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and our people. Learn about what you need to know before coming to one of our hospitals or clinics.
Please visit www.sinaihealth.ca/covid19