In fact, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) issued a strong recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Beyond that, they call on breastfeeding people to be vaccinated. This guidance comes in response to increasing fears regarding the dangers of COVID-19 for pregnant women. Consequently, Black and brown women are more likely to experience severe illness, hospitalization, and need for intensive care.
Dr. Darine El-Chaar, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who works at The Ottawa Hospital. She makes an impassioned case for vaccinating this under-served demographic. She points out that the risks for pregnant women who get COVID-19 are higher than non-pregnant women who have COVID-19. The SOGC’s recommendation is especially important for those whose last vaccine dose was over six months ago. In these scenarios, the risk of serious illness is markedly heightened, so getting vaccinated can be an important step in prevention.
The SOGC pointedly addresses the current climate of misinformation surrounding vaccines, urging reliance on “evidence-based science and clinical expertise” when making vaccination decisions. To show the dual benefit of vaccination Dr. El-Chaar coined the phrase, “one vaccine, two lives.” This is especially important because vaccination protects both the mother and her unborn child.
In the United States, this singular recent development has left many health professionals worried. One major element is Kennedy’s promise to end the COVID-19 jab. The SOGC strongly condemns this step as it is devoid of any medical evidence. Further, they argue how important it is to the field of public health to have transparent and scientifically grounded recommendations.
CDC and health leaders continue to stress that COVID-19 vaccination is both safe and effective for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The SOGC strongly encourages women and healthcare providers to base their decisions to vaccinate on the best evidence available.
COVID-19 continues to change, and as the SOGC’s recommendations start to emphasize, the need for vaccination is more urgent than ever. Vaccination remains a cornerstone in safeguarding maternal and fetal health. The organization continues to be focused on offering the most up-to-date recommendations informed by developing research and clinical practice.
