As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is promising news on the horizon. Vaccines for a virus that has already claimed nearly seven million lives worldwide are now readily accessible throughout the United States.
Despite this progress, however, many expecting parents remain concerned about the potential side-effects of receiving a COVID vaccination during pregnancy — including whether it could result in birth defects in an unborn child.
Below, these COVID vaccine clinics in Northwest Indiana are going to explore some of the scientific evidence related to this important question, and we’ll also discuss some of the key things expecting mothers should know before deciding whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
The COVID Vaccine Is Safe for Unborn Children
One of the most important points to consider is that the current COVID-19 vaccine is safe for unborn children. Although it is true that all vaccines come with a certain degree of risk, there have been no reported cases of birth defects in babies whose mothers received the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “there is currently no data to suggest that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines cause changes in fetal development or lead to birth defects.”
Furthermore, researchers from the National Institutes of Health recently conducted a study on over 200 pregnant women who had received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna’s two-dose vaccine regimen prior to giving birth — the results of which showed that the vaccine had no adverse effects on either mother or child.
These findings, combined with the fact that COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and unborn children, make it clear that getting vaccinated at a COVID vaccine clinic in Northwest Indiana is likely to provide greater protection from the virus than not doing so.
The Vaccine Is Also Safe for Expecting Mothers
In addition to being safe for unborn children, the vaccine is also safe for expecting mothers. The CDC states that “all available data from clinical trials and post-marketing safety monitoring suggests that vaccination during pregnancy is safe” and that there have been no reported cases of post-vaccination complications in pregnant women thus far.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends that all pregnant women receive the COVID vaccine when eligible and accessible, noting that “the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the potential risks associated with not being vaccinated.”
Which Vaccine Should Pregnant Mothers Take?
Depending on availability, pregnant women may opt to receive either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at a COVID vaccine clinic in Northwest Indiana. The CDC recommends that any eligible person should get whichever vaccine is available first — as both are highly effective against this virus and safe for expectant mothers.
Overall, there is no preferential recommendation between the two mRNA vaccines. Ultimately, it is up to each individual expectant mother to speak with her doctor about which vaccine would be best for her situation.
Speak to a Doctor If You’re Concerned
Pregnant women who are considering getting a COVID-19 vaccine should consult with their doctor prior to doing so.
Your doctor or OBGYN will be able to assess your individual risk factors and explain the potential benefits of being vaccinated. They can also answer any questions you may have about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for expectant mothers.
In addition, your healthcare provider may also be able to help you locate a nearby COVID vaccine clinic in Northwest Indiana where you can get vaccinated at no cost.
Looking for a COVID Vaccine Clinic in Northwest Indiana?
Are you an expectant mother who is looking for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, and if you’re ready to get in touch with the most trusted COVID vaccine clinic in Northwest Indiana, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at 219 Health Network.
Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get in touch with an expert.