UW Health urges people who are pregnant, breastfeeding to get vaccinated

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- UW Health maternal fetal medicine specialists are urging those who are pregnant and breastfeeding to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

UW Health said studies have shown that the vaccine is safe and effective for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding in a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 14. 

Officials note that several major expert and governmental organizations have also made strong recommendations. Dr. Michael Beninati, a critical care and maternal fetal medicine specialist at UW Health, said that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both agree that the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh theoretical risk for these patients.

“It is certainly understandable to be concerned about potential adverse effects of the vaccine for your fetus while you’re still pregnant, or for your newborn after you deliver and are potentially breastfeeding,” he said. “But the overwhelming scientific evidence has shown that the vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and their babies.”

According to Beninati, these are important things to consider: 

• Safety data continues to show there are no demonstrable increase in side effects such as infertility, birth defects and stillbirth.
• Data from ACOG and the CDC say that people who are pregnant and contract COVID-19 often have more severe disease and worse outcomes for mom and baby, as compared to non-pregnant patients. The vaccine also provides early immunity to fetuses and newborns.
• National and international organizations now recommend the vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding patients