Binational Breastfeeding Coalition

View Original

COVID-19 Vaccination and Lactating Mothers

Below are links to position statements from highly regarded health care organizations concerning the COVID-19 vaccine and breastfeeding. Following the links is a plain language summary. Please be advised that this information is not intended to replace the professional judgement of the patient’s healthcare provider.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine:
Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccination in Lactation

InfantRisk Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Similar to other medications, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women have not been included in studies to determine how well COVID vaccines work or how safe they are. Based on what we understand from similar vaccines, we believe the risks that come with vaccination will probably be low. Therefore, while we wait for more information, each mother and provider should discuss what choice fits their situation best. The risk and benefit of the vaccine should be compared to each mother’s individual risk for getting COVID-19 as well as how well she is expected to tolerate the disease.

– InfantRisk Center