Canadian health experts reaffirm that COVID-19 vaccination is safe and essential during pregnancy, protecting both mother and baby from severe illness and complications.
COVID-19 Vaccine Still Safe and Strongly Recommended During Pregnancy, Canadian Experts Say
As misinformation about vaccines continues to swirl, Canada’s top gynecologists are stepping up with a clear message: COVID-19 vaccination remains safe and strongly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) reaffirmed its guidance this week, emphasizing the importance of the vaccine in preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and pregnancy-related complications linked to the virus.
Why Pregnant Women Need the COVID-19 Vaccine
Dr. Darine El-Chaar, maternal fetal medicine specialist at The Ottawa Hospital and spokesperson for the SOGC, stated that pregnant people face higher risks from COVID-19. Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious outcomes like:
- Increased need for hospitalization and ICU care
- Higher risk of preterm birth
- Complications that endanger both parent and baby
“The vaccine not only protects the mother,” Dr. El-Chaar noted, “but also provides passive immunity to the baby.”
No Evidence Behind U.S. Vaccine Shift
The SOGC’s statement comes in response to recent comments from U.S. presidential candidate and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who falsely claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women in the U.S.
“There’s no scientific basis for that decision,” said Dr. El-Chaar. “There have been no clinical trials or studies showing adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant populations or newborns that would warrant such a move.”
Fighting Misinformation With Science
In what it calls an “age of growing misinformation and disinformation,” the SOGC is urging Canadians to trust evidence-based science and clinical expertise, not social media rumors or unfounded claims.
Pregnant individuals who haven’t had a COVID-19 shot in over six months are especially encouraged to get vaccinated or receive a booster dose. “I always say, ‘One vaccine, two lives,’” said El-Chaar. “You’re protecting both the mom and the baby.”
Takeaway: Trust the Experts, Protect Two Lives
While vaccine misinformation continues to spread, Canadian health leaders are standing firm: COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for pregnant women. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure, but don’t delay—vaccination could be a lifesaving step for both you and your child.
