Updated August 2021
Maven is committed to keeping our members, providers, and team updated with the latest clinical guidance for COVID-19 for women and families. Below are frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, the Delta variant, and vaccines answered by Maven Chief Medical Officer Dr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG. In addition to his role at Maven, Dr. Shah is also an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School (part-time). He is a globally recognized expert in designing solutions that improve healthcare, and is listed among the “40 smartest people in healthcare” by the Becker’s Hospital Review.
We all imagined a very different fall 2021 and back-to-school experience. Unfortunately, the spread of the Delta variant of COVID continues to put people at risk, especially children too young to be vaccinated and those who have chronic conditions or are immunocompromised. As the landscape evolves, however, so too does clinical research and our ability to understand the virus, the disease, and the best ways to protect the health and safety of ourselves and our families. The goal of this FAQ is to provide up-to-date information and guidance to help you make the best choices for your health and the health of others.
- Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer, Maven Clinic
The latest for pregnant women and people aspiring to become pregnant
Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, based on the proven safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have advised pregnant women to be vaccinated.
On August 11, the CDC updated its guidance based on analysis of new data as well as previously collected data assessing the safety of the vaccine for pregnant women. The CDC states: “Combined, these data and the known severe risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy demonstrate that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant people outweigh any known or potential risks.”
The CDC “encourages all pregnant people or people who are thinking about becoming pregnant and those breastfeeding to get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19.” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also have issued recommendations:
- ACOG recommends that pregnant individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- ACOG recommends that lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19.
A conversation with a clinician is not required prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access.
What are the risks to pregnant women who don’t get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A study published in the JAMA Medical Journal in August 2021 showed that compared to pregnant women without COVID-19, women with COVID-19 giving birth had higher rates of:
- Respiratory intubation
- Mechanical ventilation
- Intensive care unit (ICU) admission
- In-hospital mortality
- Preterm birth
Is it safe to get the COVID vaccine when breastfeeding?
Yes, the CDC recommends people who are breastfeeding get the COVID-19 vaccination. While there is limited research data on the effects of the vaccine on milk production or the breastfed baby, the vaccine cannot cause infection in mother or baby, and the vaccines are proven effective in preventing COVID-19. According to the CDC, reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine have antibodies in their breast milk, which could help protect their babies.
What about the Delta variant of the coronavirus? Do the benefits of taking the vaccine for Delta outweigh the risks for pregnant women?
According to the CDC, “available evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer protection against known variants, including the Delta variant, particularly against hospitalization and death.“ The Delta variant, the primary SARS-CoV-2 variant in the U.S. today, is associated with higher rates of transmissibility. It is important for pregnant women and people aspiring to become pregnant to be vaccinated against all variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
What about the safety of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Biotech, Inc.) vaccine? Should pregnant women get Pfizer or Moderna instead of the J&J vaccine?
The CDC and FDA have stated that the benefits of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine outweigh its known and potential risks. However, for women under 50 years of age, the J&J/Janssen vaccine poses an increased risk of a rare adverse event called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). TTS is a rare but serious condition that involves blood clots with low platelets. There are other COVID-19 vaccine options (Moderna, Pfizer) available for pregnant women for which this risk has not been reported or seen.
I heard the vaccine affects fertility. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m trying to get pregnant?
There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men. According to the CDC: “COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone 12 years of age and older, including people who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners.”
When should I worry about side effects?
First, it’s important to know that there are many common side effects from COVID-19 vaccination, and they are signs that your body is responding appropriately and building protection against the coronavirus. Common vaccine side effects include pain, redness and swelling at the site of the shot; tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, nausea and fever. Call your doctor (or contact your Maven care team) If you have a reaction such as a fever that lasts longer than three days, or if you have a serious side effect that prevents you from eating, sleeping or regular daily activities.
According to the CDC: “Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose. For this reason, the FDA required each of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be studied for at least two months after the final dose.”
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