Pregnant Women Urged to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Public Health Agency of Canada says pregnant women and babies are at increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.

Women who are pregnant are being urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they haven't done so already. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada released a statement earlier today, saying that demographic has a lower uptake of vaccines, despite growing evidence that pregnant women and babies are at a higher risk of serious illness brought on by the virus. 

"In addition to risk of serious illness requiring hospitalization/intensive care, COVID19 infection in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications such as preterm birth, stillbirth, low-birth weight, and caesarean birth," Dr. Theresa Tam tweeted. "Vaccination with mRNA COVID 19Vaccines is strongly recommended; research shows that vaccination during pregnancy triggers development of protective antibodies that can be passed on to babies, providing a level of protection."

The Public Health Agency of Canada also notes babies under one year old are at a higher risk of developing serious issues from the disease than older children are.

Tam also telling Toronto media that a COVID-19 vaccine for babies could arrive in early 2022. 

While Health Canada hasn't received any submissions for the youngest age group yet, trials are underway for Pfizer and Moderna.

1/5 People who are #pregnant appear to have lower uptake of #COVID19Vaccines, which is a particular concern given growing evidence that pregnant people and their babies are at increased risk of severe illness due to #COVID19. https://t.co/U8uTF1wN9y

— Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) November 26, 2021