Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant? What the Latest Research Shows
You’re getting ready to run errands on this crisp September morning, looking in the mirror at your growing bump, when you see the pharmacy reminder text about flu shots. It mentions the COVID-19 boosters too. You pause, hand on your belly, wondering:
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy?
It’s a personal decision, and one that deserves good and reliable information, free from pressure or panic. With COVID-19 variants circulating this fall, we’re taking a closer look at what research shows so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you and your baby.
Why This Question Matters
COVID-19 in 2025 feels less present in our daily life than it did a few years ago, but it hasn’t disappeared. New variants continue to appear. The latest variants from the Omicron family, like Nimbus, typically feels like the earlier COVID-19 infection: fever, sore throat (like razor blades), chills, shortness of breath, and sometimes loss of smell and taste. For most healthy people, especially those who are vaccinated, the illness tends to be mild.
But pregnancy changes how your body responds to infection. Large-scale studies that followed hundreds of thousands of people show that pregnant people have a higher chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant individuals. Pregnancy changes your immune system, and your heart and lungs are already working overtime. If you catch COVID-19 while pregnant, you’re more likely to need hospital care and face complications like premature birth, especially towards the end of pregnancy. That doesn’t mean every case leads to problems. But it’s one reason why many health professionals continue to talk about prevention including vaccination. So what does the research actually tell us about COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy?
What the Science Shows About Vaccines
Here’s what may surprise you: when you get vaccinated during pregnancy, antibodies can cross the placenta and give your newborn some early protection against COVID-19. It’s like passing along a little immune “starter kit” to your baby, which is especially valuable since infants can’t get vaccinated until 6 months old.
COVID-19 vaccines have been studied in tens of thousands of pregnant people worldwide since they first became available. These studies, reviewed by expert groups like the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC), and international agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), show no link between the vaccines and miscarriage, birth defects, or fertility issues.
The vaccines that are approved for pregnancy are considered safe and effective. They don’t contain live viruses, so they cannot give you or your baby COVID-19. Current vaccines, including the ones from Pfizer and Moderna, are expected to remain effective against new variants like Nimbus.
The Bottom Line
Five years into the COVID-19 era, research continues to evolve to better understand long term impact on families. Researchers also keep an eye on new variants. We don’t know what the future will bring, but the evidence is clear: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy carries high risks, while vaccination significantly reduces these risks. This is why public health agencies in Canada and internationally continue to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
You’re Not Alone in Having Questions
There’s been so much noise around COVID-19 that it’s totally understandable to feel unsure or even tired of thinking about it. Whether you’re leaning toward getting vaccinated or still have questions, your concerns are valid.
Many midwives, doctors, and maternity care teams have these conversations every day. It’s a good place to start discussing it when you see them and if you want information specific to your situation. They can help you decide if the COVID-19 vaccination is right for you.
Ready for More Evidence-Based Answers?
Visit healthypregnancyhub.ca for accessible, expert-reviewed information about COVID-19 and pregnancy. You’ll find detailed factsheets, multimedia resources, and trusted information designed specifically for Canadian families. With the right information and support, you can focus on what matters most: welcoming your little one into the world.
The Healthy Pregnancy Hub is financed by the Sex and Gender Institute-CIHR. It is designed to supplement, not replace, personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, nurse, nurse practitioner) before making decisions about medication during pregnancy.
This article was first published in the YEG Parents Magazine in Edmonton, Alberta. You can see the full issue here: YEG Parents Magazine Fall 2025 : simplebooklet.com
