UPMC Magee Vaccinates Pregnant Women Against COVID-19
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By: Courtney Caprara
Today UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offered the first of two COVID-19 vaccine clinics specifically for pregnant women. Under Pennsylvania’s 1A classification, pregnant women are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If a pregnant woman gets COVID-19, she can get sicker than those in the general population. The consequences of COVID infection during pregnancy can lead to maternal illness and pregnancy complications for the baby,” said Dr. Hyagriv Simhan, executive vice chair of obstetrical services, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. “This is why prevention of COVID-19 is of paramount importance for pregnant women and why they qualify for vaccination under group 1A.”
According to Simhan, initial clinical trials for the vaccines did not include pregnant or breastfeeding women, but ongoing studies have not shown that the vaccines cause any harm to pregnant women or their unborn babies.
More than 45,000 pregnant women across the United States have chosen to receive COVID-19 vaccines. There are currently no indications that receiving the shot during a certain trimester of pregnancy makes it any more or less safe and effective.
“We’re really excited here at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital to offer this special type of clinic,” said Simhan. “We are a regional and national leader in clinical care, research and program development for women’s health in general, and pregnancy in particular. Offering a clinic like this is a testament to our commitment to the community and to pregnant women.”
UPMC Magee will offer a second vaccination clinic for pregnant women on April 8, 2021. This clinic is by appointment only and it is open to all pregnant women, regardless of whether they are a UPMC patient. If you are pregnant, call 833-653-0519 to schedule an appointment.
