Pregnancy and Vaccination

Even amid dropping infection numbers and generally lower disease severity, COVID-19 is still a special concern for pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant, and new mothers. Akila Subramaniam, MD—the only doctor in Alabama board-certified in both maternal-fetal medicine and genetics—summarizes why these women should get vaccinated. As she explains, two full years of data indicate that vaccination protects mother and child against severe illness from the disease (for which they are at heightened risk). Dr. Subramanian addresses the concerns her patients often have about vaccines in general. She also emphasizes the extra care pregnant women should take in masking and social distancing even as the general population may continue to follow more relaxed standards.