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Doctors: Pregnant women can and should get COVID-19 vaccine

UPDATED: APRIL 2, 2021 AT 11:18 AM

Pregnant women should get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to doctors studying the vaccine during pregnancy. FILE: KSL TV

BY BECKY BRUCE
News Director

SALT LAKE CITY — Doctors say pregnant women absolutely should consider seeking out the COVID-19 vaccine, in response to questions shared on social media.

Pregant women and the COVID-19 vaccine

Dr. Kristen Lilja with Salt Lake Regional Medical Center encourages pregnant moms to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

“As of now, data does suggest a higher risk of severe COVID infection in pregnant women compared to women of the same age that are not pregnant,” Lilja told KSL TV.

Related: Pediatric expert recommends teens get COVID-19 vaccine

Lilja said to date, scientists have studied the affect and side-effects of the COVID-19 on 275 pregnant women. None suffered any adverse reaction so far. Additionally, Lilja said she’s unsure if moms-to-be pass antibodies down to their unborn babies to protect them, both before and after birth.

By the way, Lilja said social media posts suggesting antibodies and proteins in the vaccine cause sterilization are completely false.

This article has been corrected. A previous version stated Dr. Lilija works at the Salt Lake County Medical Center and she encourages pregnant people to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Obtain a flu shot.