The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a health advisory regarding the COVID-19 vaccination for perinatal women. The call urges women who are pregnant, recently pregnant or lactating, those trying to become pregnant, or those who might become pregnant in the future, to talk to their healthcare provider about receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
It takes all of us to protect our communities from COVID-19.
Check out the following resources that can help your perinatal clients consider getting immunized.
The Orange County Health Care Agency offers a COVID-19 hotline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday to answer questions about the vaccine, book appointments, and support assistance with transportation at (714) 834-2000.
Despite recommendations for vaccination, rates of COVID-19 vaccination by pregnant people has been lower than that of non-pregnant people. Parents have concerns and will look to trusted resources for information.
Here is what’s known:
- The CDC’s Health Advisory states the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.
- Pregnant women from certain racial and ethnic populations and those with underlying health conditions and are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and/or complications.
- Higher health risks to the mother means greater risk to the health of the baby.
- Early data from CDC’s v-safe pregnancy registry demonstrate that the side effects and adverse events observed among pregnant individuals in v-safe did not indicate any safety concerns.
For more information, or to find out where a client can receive the vaccine, please visit the resources below. As always, encourage clients to consult with their healthcare provider regarding specific questions or concerns.