The COVID vaccine for women over 20 weeks pregnant is highly recommended by SOGC. Is this a good idea? Fetal risk/benefit?

Hello Ma'am,

In fact, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated against Covid-19 after an assessment of risk factors for contracting the infection. As you have seen, the SOGC has issued a recommendation, dated April 15, 2021, recommending that provincial governments prioritize vaccination in pregnant women over 20 weeks of age due to an increase in complications in this population. The theoretical risks of vaccination are less than the risks of complications associated with Covid-19 infection, especially with the risk factors you mention. Indeed, the risk of serious morbidity from Covid19 in pregnant individuals appears to be strongly associated with risk factors including age 35 years and older, asthma, obesity, pre-existing diabetes, pre-existing hypertension, and cardiac problems. In addition, healthcare workers are also at higher risk of contracting it!

So far, no adverse events or complications have been noted in pregnant women during the vaccine's marketing studies. I invite you to read the SOCG statement here!

I hope I answered your question!

Feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

Happy day,

Kamilia Idir, Pharmacy Intern. Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist.