COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Currently, several vaccines are available that are proven to be safe and efficacious against COVID-19. In Qatar, two vaccines have received emergency approval for usage in the country– Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Some concerns have been expressed by the general public about the effect of vaccines on pregnancy and among breastfeeding mothers.

COVID-19 and pregnancy/breastfeeding

• While the overall danger COVID-19 poses to pregnant mothers is low, there is still a mildly elevated risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death as compared to the general population.
• This risk increases in pregnant mothers who have illnesses such as diabetes or obesity.
• Some data suggests that COVID-19 in pregnancy may be more likely to result in pre-term birth.
• Breastfeeding mothers and their infants are not considered to be at an elevated risk for COVID-19 as compared to the general population.

Are the available vaccines being administered to pregnant/breastfeeding mothers?

Yes, both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are currently being administered to both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Is it safe and effective to take the vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

• It is important to note that no study has specifically assessed the use of vaccines in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. However, these vaccines have been administered to millions of women worldwide, some of whom have been pregnant or breastfeeding. The data collected so far, together with data from animal studies, suggest that both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are safe to administer in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
• The vaccines appear to be safe and confer immunity not only to the pregnant or breastfeeding mother, but also to her baby. Preliminary data suggests that:
  • Babies of pregnant mothers who received the vaccine during pregnancy had antibodies again COVID-19 at birth.
  • Mothers who were vaccinated while breastfeeding had antibodies in their breastmilk.
• The World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar (MoPH), recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should take the vaccine if possible.
• Neither the Pfizer-BioNTech nor the Moderna vaccines contain the live coronavirus and cannot give pregnant/breastfeeding mothers or the unborn baby the COVID-19 disease.
• Pregnant/breastfeeding mothers must weigh their risk of COVID-19 disease together with the benefits of vaccination in consultation with their healthcare provider, so that they are able to make an informed decision to take the vaccine or not.

What are the side effects of the vaccine in pregnant/breastfeeding mothers?

Neither pregnant nor breastfeeding mothers have reported side effects that are different from those reported in the general population. So far, the commonly reported side effects include pain and swelling at the site of injection, fatigue, headaches, or fever. The symptoms are usually mild, and can be relieved by rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and painkillers. Any pregnant and breastfeeding mother must check with their healthcare provider about the type of painkiller that is safe for them to use.

Regardless of whether one has received the vaccine or not, it is important to continue to follow the preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, as recommended by the MoPH, Qatar. Please ensure that you continue to wear facemasks, avoid gatherings and crowds, maintain good hand hygiene, and physical distance. You can keep up with the latest recommendations on the MoPH website.

Sources: World Health Organization’s (WHO) advice on Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna | MoPH Qatar Leaflet: Vaccination for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Mothers | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding | Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Expert Insights

Contributors: Amit Abraham, Anupama Jithesh, Karima Chaabna and Sohaila Cheema

Editing: John Hayward