Aug 11, 2021 - Health

CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19

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A health worker administering a coronavirus vaccine in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 5. Photo: Matthew Busch/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strengthened its recommendation that pregnant or breastfeeding women get vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying data suggest that pregnant people face an increased risk of developing a severe illness from COVID-19.

Why it matters: Scientists found no increased risk for miscarriage among people who received a coronavirus vaccine during pregnancy, the CDC said, adding that the benefits of vaccines outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination, such as a rare allergic reaction.

Driving the news: There is also no evidence that vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men, per the CDC.

Studies also found that coronavirus antibodies created after a pregnant person received a vaccine were found in umbilical cord blood, suggesting that vaccinations during pregnancy may produce antibodies that could protect babies against the virus.

The big picture: The World Health Organization and previous studies have also indicated that coronavirus vaccines are safe for pregnant women.

Go deeper: Vaccine boosters could be necessary as soon as September

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CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19

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