Public Health Agency of Canada appealing to pregnant, breastfeeding women to get vaccinated against COVID-19

The Public Health Agency of Canada is using pregnant and breastfeeding women to get their COVID-19 shots as statistics show their group is lagging behind in uptake.

This finding is particularly concerning because there is growing evidence that pregnant women and their babies are at an increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, PSAC said in an announcement released Friday, November 27.

This, the agency added, can result in hospitalization, intensive care admission or death.

COVID-19 is also associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy such as preterm birth, stillbirth, low-birth weight and caesarean birth.

“Babies under one year of age are more likely than older children to develop serious illness with COVID-19 and unvaccinated parents are at higher risk of infecting those around them, including their babies,” Dr. Theresa Tam explained in the agency's announcement. “Research shows that vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy triggers the development of antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can pass through the umbilical cord to the fetus, which may then provide babies with a level of protection against COVID-19.”

Research also shows that breast milk of people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 have antibodies, which may provide some protection.

The agency said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), other expert guidance bodies and professional medical societies in Canada and around the world are aligned in recommending vaccination against COVID to protect pregnant and recent pregnant people and their babies.

This includes the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, which recommends that all people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should get COVID vaccines, during any trimester of the pregnancy and/or while breastfeeding.

As well, there is no evidence to suggest any adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes associated with COVID vaccination, and no evidence of fertility problems due to any vaccines, including that of COVID.

The encouragement comes after the Public Health Agency of Canada saw an increase in rumours and disinformation spreading on social media regarding increased risk of stillbirths in Canada with vaccination.

“These rumours are completely without merit and have been unequivocally discredited by health authorities in the implicated health regions. As above, COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended to help protect you and your baby against serious illness and potentially life-threatening complications.”

Trust your healthcare provider, PSAC said, as they are qualified to help guide you along the way to informed decision-making.