Health Canada has recently updated their guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination for pregnant persons. The National Advisory Committee for Immunization (NACI) has strongly recommended that pregnant persons be vaccinated with a primary series (first two doses) of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
In addition, the NACI recommends that pregnant persons be offered a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, at any stage/trimester in the pregnancy. Individuals who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and who are breastfeeding should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine mRNA booster. No safety concerns have been identified with breastfeeding and the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Pregnant persons experience the same rates of adverse effects (such as localized arm pain) as non-pregnant persons.
In regard to the use of the newly approved bivalent vaccine approved in Canada, pregnant persons can access this vaccine as a booster if available.
For more information on pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccination: Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding
