By Colin S. Bell, DDS, MSD
Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Compliance Officer
Some of our team members have expressed concern about the COVID-19 vaccine and the effects of the vaccine on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility.
Our research shows the following:
- It is recommended the vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) be made available to pregnant women in Vaccine Phase 1b (we are in that phase now) if they desire to be vaccinated.
- These vaccines are not FDA approved but approved for emergency use based on the results of clinical trials.
- Since pregnant women were excluded from the clinical trials, there is no data to support the safety of the vaccine in pregnancy. Yet, there is no reason to suspect adverse effects as the vaccine is in the form of messenger RNA that mimics the spike coating of the COVID-19 virus, which incites the human immune response to form antibodies that spikes just like it would with actual virus exposure.
- The rare likelihood of developing a severe case of COVID-19 exceeds the much smaller risk of an adverse effect of the virus on mother and fetus.
- Unlike other vaccines that are made from weakened viruses, these COVID-19 vaccines are made from fragments of messenger RNA; therefore, it is not possible to develop COVID-19 from the vaccine alone.
- Messenger RNA cannot combine with a fetus, so there is no risk to the unborn child.
- There is no evidence the vaccine should not be used in individuals desiring to become pregnant.
- There is no evidence the vaccine would be a risk to a breastfeeding infant.
- Several OB doctors known to USOSM have recommended their patients take the vaccine and felt it was safe.
In summary, the vaccine appears safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women and also safe for those desiring to become pregnant, but there is no data to support conclusively this opinion.
USOSM recommends individuals should consult their own health care provider to make an informed decision about taking the vaccine.
Sources: CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, WebMD, Women’s Health, and Michigan Medicine.
