I am a 31 year old mother, healthy, no medication (except birth control pills). I am still breastfeeding. Can I get the covid vaccine?

Hello Ma'am,

The currently available COVID-19 vaccines have not been studied in breastfeeding women. Indeed, breastfeeding women have been excluded from most clinical studies. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends that COVID-19 vaccines be offered to all women. The currently licensed COVID-19 vaccines are non-replicating vaccines, which means that they are capable of creating an immune response but do not replicate inside cells. Because the vaccines are safe for breastfeeding women or their infants, people who are breastfeeding can choose to be vaccinated. According to the Quebec Immunization Protocol, safety concerns are theoretical and do not outweigh the potential benefits of receiving the vaccine. There is no need to avoid initiation or discontinue breastfeeding if receiving the vaccine.

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

Happy day,

Kamilia Idir, pharmacy intern. Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist.