If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems for men or women. If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

The risk of severe disease or even death from COVID-19 is higher during pregnancy. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and might be at increased risk for other poor outcomes related to pregnancy compared to pregnant people without COVID-19. Other poor pregnancy outcomes, such as pregnancy loss, have been reported. Learn more about the risks associated with COVID-19 and pregnancy here.

A study published recently in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows the vaccines are not only safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women, they may also offer some protection for their babies. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a leading professional membership organization for obstetrician-gynecologists, recommends that pregnant women have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Call the Malheur County Health Department at 541-889-7279 for more information and visit our COVID-19 page for a list of local vaccine providers.

The COVID-19 vaccines protect you against severe disease. Over 590,000 Americans have died with COVID-19. Cases are still high in Malheur County and we don’t want one more person to become sick from the infection. Please don’t let yourself be scared into not protecting yourself and your family. COVID-19 is dangerous, and the benefits of vaccines are proven. If you have questions about any vaccines, talk to your healthcare provider, your child’s pediatrician, or call us at 541-889-7279 and ask to talk with a public health nurse.