Should pregnant women get the vaccine

ELKHART, Ind. --- With a growing list of side-effects for the Covid vaccine, a new debate has begun, whether is it safe for pregnant or nursing women to take the vaccine. 

As little is known about the vaccine, medical experts agree, that women who were pregnant or nursing should not be denied this vaccine. 

“Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor if they have any questions about receiving the vaccine,” said the Elkhart County Health Officer Lydia Mertz.

Should pregnant women receive the vaccine? 

As vaccine clinical trials have not separately tested pregnant women many are concerned, but Dr. Mertz warns, without the vaccine you are at a higher risk of disease. 

“We know that women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of having severe disease if they get Covid. They're more likely to end up in the intensive care unit, on the ventilator, they are more likely to die,” said Mertz. 

As we learn more about the vaccine and its side effects, for now, experts say any pregnant or nursing women who have taken the vaccine have seen little to no issues at this early stage. 

“During the large trials, we’ve had some women were pregnant when they got the vaccine. They may not have known it at the time. We have had no problem with those women or with their infants,” said Mertz. 

If you are pregnant, or a new mother, that balances a life outside of the home, getting the vaccine is recommended. 

“If you are a new mother, but at high risk for some reason, you may want to get the vaccine,” said Mertz.

And if you and your spouse, like many, are stuck at home with your newborn, waiting for the vaccine may be the right move. 

“If you are a new mother, but home all the time, and your spouse is at home all the time, nobodies coming in bringing Covid with them, then you may be wanting to wait until your finished breastfeeding to get the vaccine,” said Mertz.

And wherever you stand on the topic, the thing to do now is looking at the facts so when the time comes your decision will be simple.

“The vaccine is coming slower than we would like but it’s coming and it’s time now to look at the facts and when you have a chance to get the vaccine then you’ll know right away to sign up for an appointment and go and get it,” said Mertz.