Skip to main content

COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published new guidance published new guidance on the 30th June  for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. It states that there have been no specific safety concerns identified with any brand of COVID-19 vaccines in relation to pregnancy. Over 120,000 pregnant women from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the United States have been safely vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, with no evidence of harm being identified. 

There are no known risks from giving COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. There is therefore no reason to suppose that the adverse effects from these COVID-19 vaccines should be different for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.  Minor and short-lived adverse effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache and fatigue are common in the general population after a COVID-19 vaccine.

The RCOG Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination in Pregnancy Information for Healthcare Professionals advises that:

  • COVID-19 vaccines can be given at any time in pregnancy
  • Some women may choose to delay vaccination until 12 weeks of gestation, aiming for vaccination as soon as possible thereafter
  • If there is a higher chance of contracting infection, or a woman is at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the vaccine should be offered at the earliest opportunity, including in the first trimester
  • Breastfeeding women can receive a COVID-19 vaccine; there is no need to stop breastfeeding to have the vaccine
  • Women planning a pregnancy or fertility treatment can also receive a COVID-19 vaccine and do not need to delay conception.

Women should continue to discuss the options of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy with their Obstetrician, Midwife or GP.

Information from the Royal College of Midwives