This group may be more affected by the virus
A message from Dr. Unjali Malhotra, FNHA Office of the Chief Medical Officer
If you're pregnant, please go and get your COVID-19 vaccine! Pregnant women who get COVID-19 may be at greater risk of becoming severely unwell and are more likely to give birth prematurely.
An important study in the US has confirmed the vaccines available in BC are safe during all stages of pregnancy. In fact, there is good evidence that antibodies – protection – are transferred to the baby through the placenta. There is also good evidence that immunizing women who are breastfeeding results in the transfer of protective antibodies to the baby.
During a COVID-19 update on May 3, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said her teams have reviewed the data with perinatal doctors in BC and found that risks for pregnant women who get COVID-19 are “slightly elevated" and that “very small numbers of pregnant women have needed to be hospitalized or received ICU care."
Given these findings, the province and health authorities are working to ensure the health care system prioritizes and supports pregnant women to get a vaccine as efficiently as possible: call the provincial phone line at 1-833-838-2323 and make an appointment.
Remember, the best vaccine is the first one available to you! All of the vaccines are safe and have passed all of Canada's rigorous safety standards. If you are not sure, please discuss with your doctor, visit our “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" page here, or read more about it here.
Getting a vaccine? Be a #Vaxchamp! Visit our pledge portal to share a selfie and explain why it's important for you to get vaccinated.
